Living in the Arctic can be associated with a number of challenges, including cold temperatures and rugged terrain. But another is the cost of groceries, which have to be delivered via only a few highways in the region.
In a video posted on TikTok, user @Willow_Allen invites her followers to “Come get groceries with us in the Arctic.”
The video was shot in Inuvik, which Allen says is in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
“Groceries are not nearly as expensive here as in other northern communities,” she says in the video as grocery prices at her local grocery store are shown.
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Inuvik, Canada.
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And the sticker shock is big, with International Delight coffee creamer costing $7.49 and 1 kg. jar of Nutella costs $48.95.
“We have a freeway that goes in and out of our community,” she adds. “But I thought $47 for four chicken breasts was kind of crazy. I don’t really know what normal grocery prices are down south.”
She adds that she “got two bags of groceries,” revealing that her merchandise includes two packages of ground beef, a box of feta cheese, frozen pizza, cereal bars and other items — for a total of $215.
Followers have spoken out, and many share their disbelief at the prices.
“If you ever want Nutella, I’ll MAIL it to you. $48 Nutella is a crime,” writes one.
Adds another: “I will never complain about grocery prices again.”
The CBC reports that a grocery basket in Inuvik would cost approximately 81% more than in Edmonton, a metropolitan city in the Canadian province of Alberta. That’s because inflation, fueled by a range of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic and fuel costs — plus the labor needed to deliver groceries — means more expensive goods.
These deliveries may require trucks to travel all day through dangerous terrain, where they may encounter icy roads or frozen rivers. As the CBC notes, winter freezes require “grocery delivery.” [the city of] Yellowknife and then flew to Inuvik.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education