WILLEMSTAD – Shopping in Curaçao was already expensive, but prices have increased noticeably in recent weeks. Low-income people are encouraged by aid workers to grow their own vegetables. Some people have started keeping chickens at home as prices for a carton of eggs have risen for the first time in 14 years.
WILLEMSTAD
– Shopping in Curaçao was already expensive, but prices have increased noticeably in recent weeks. Low-income people are encouraged by aid workers to grow their own vegetables. Some people have started keeping chickens at home as prices for a carton of eggs have risen for the first time in 14 years.
It’s the talk of the town: many people complain that they feel the price increase in their wallets. Several foundations see that people who are in poverty now have it even more difficult.
It’s the talk of the town: many people complain that they feel the price increase in their wallets. Several foundations see that people who are in poverty now have it even more difficult.
“Many older people have it even harder”
“Many older people have it even harder”
“The elderly already have a hard life because the pension they receive is not enough to make ends meet. The recent price increases only make it harder for them,” says Geselle Coffi of Fundashon Nos Grandinan. For years she has been trying to help the elderly who have to get by on about 850 guilders in retirement pension.
“The elderly already have a hard life because the pension they receive is not enough to make ends meet. The recent price increases only make it harder for them,” says Geselle Coffi of Fundashon Nos Grandinan. For years she has been trying to help the elderly who have to get by on about 850 guilders in retirement pension.
“After deducting their fixed costs, most elderly people don’t have any money left to buy food,” says Coffi. “As a result, they are dependent on family members and, for example, the food bank.”
“After deducting their fixed costs, most elderly people don’t have any money left to buy food,” says Coffi. “As a result, they are dependent on family members and, for example, the food bank.”
The situation for many elderly people is getting worse, she hears. “This price increase not only makes it more difficult for the elderly but now also for their relatives who help them. Because the family members now have less money left over for their own groceries.”
The situation for many elderly people is getting worse, she hears. “This price increase not only makes it more difficult for the elderly but now also for their relatives who help them. Because the family members now have less money left over for their own groceries.”
Eggs have become about 35 percent more expensive in Curaçao. According to Panaderia Isa, one of the largest bread suppliers in Curaçao, the costs for baking bread have increased by no less than fifty percent. The bread company says it does not want to pass on the actual costs to the consumer in one fell swoop.
Eggs have become about 35 percent more expensive in Curaçao. According to Panaderia Isa, one of the largest bread suppliers in Curaçao, the costs for baking bread have increased by no less than fifty percent. The bread company says it does not want to pass on the actual costs to the consumer in one fell swoop.
Are more people dependent on free meals?
Are more people dependent on free meals?
Those who already have little will feel the price increases even harder. Leontine Kusters of the Daily Meal Program, a foundation that hands out daily meals, hears how the clients struggle. “And the new customers are mostly elderly because older people find it difficult to find a job.”
Those who already have little will feel the price increases even harder. Leontine Kusters of the Daily Meal Program, a foundation that hands out daily meals, hears how the clients struggle. “And the new customers are mostly elderly because older people find it difficult to find a job.”
“There is a shame culture in Curaçao. This means that when people get into trouble because of the price increase, they will not be quick to ask for help. Never mind asking for a free meal.”
“There is a shame culture in Curaçao. This means that when people get into trouble because of the price increase, they will not be quick to ask for help. Never mind asking for a free meal.”
She has noticed that the people who actually want to receive a free meal temporarily ask if they can please stay on the list longer. “I suspect that indeed has to do with the price increases.”
She has noticed that the people who actually want to receive a free meal temporarily ask if they can please stay on the list longer. “I suspect that indeed has to do with the price increases.”
Low-income people have to live even more frugally
Low-income people have to live even more frugally
There is another foundation that is very concerned. In the Fuik district, the Bon Hoben foundation has been active for about ten years to help various families make ends meet. “The fact that prices have risen so drastically makes it a very difficult situation for our foundation. The price of bread in particular has risen.”
There is another foundation that is very concerned. In the Fuik district, the Bon Hoben foundation has been active for about ten years to help various families make ends meet. “The fact that prices have risen so drastically makes it a very difficult situation for our foundation. The price of bread in particular has risen.”
The small wallet feels the difference, especially for people who already could barely make ends meet. No matter how the situation has become, the foundation also sees it as an opportunity to inform people how they can make better choices now. “We need to start living healthier, for example by eating less meat and more vegetables. People could plant these vegetables themselves, which saves on monthly costs.”
The small wallet feels the difference, especially for people who already could barely make ends meet. No matter how the situation has become, the foundation also sees it as an opportunity to inform people how they can make better choices now. “We need to start living healthier, for example by eating less meat and more vegetables. People could plant these vegetables themselves, which saves on monthly costs.”
https://www.curacaochronicle.com/post/main/food-prices-also-more-expensive-in-curacao-keeping-chickens-at-home-is-cheaper/
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