The Buzz · Portage la Prairie Morning Wire

The province says groceries are cheaper. Your Portage bill says otherwise.

Your groceries are costing you more even if the province says they aren't

Morning from the Central Plains — here's what's moving through Portage today.

So, you probably got that pamphlet in your mailbox this week, the one from the province telling you they're making groceries cheaper. Funny thing is, a new report just landed that says the exact opposite: prices are still climbing, especially for the everyday essentials. It makes you wonder which grocery store they're shopping at, because it sure ain't the Superstore out by the Portage Mall or the Co-op on Saskatchewan Avenue.

This isn't just a Winnipeg problem. When prices go up in the city, it ripples right out here to Portage. We're the hub between those two big centres, and our supply lines mean we often see those increases just as fast, if not faster, especially for fresh produce that travels. The processing plants here — McCain and Simplot — they're tied into these supply chains too, so even our local economy feels the pinch when the cost of getting food to your table keeps rising. It's a real head-scratcher when the mail says one thing and your grocery bill says another entirely.

### What This Means for Portage la Prairie

* **Higher Bills:** Expect your weekly grocery run at places like Extra Foods or M&M Food Market to continue to feel more expensive. * **Corridor Impact:** As a key transit point on the Trans-Canada, any fuel or transport cost increases hit us directly, adding to food prices. * **Local Economy:** The agricultural co-ops and local producers are also navigating these rising costs, which can affect local supply and pricing.

It just goes to show, you can print all the pamphlets you want, but folks out here in Portage, they know what their money is buying – or not buying – when they walk through those grocery store doors.

Darren Flett, MiTL Sports Desk, Portage la Prairie.

The crew on the Morning Wire always has the real scoop on what's hitting your wallet — tune in at mornings.live.

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