Residents in Lacombe, Alberta, are taking part in calls to boycott the Central Alberta Co‑op amid complaints about rising grocery prices. Community members are using social media to share frustrations, saying food costs at the member‑owned store appear higher than at many large national chains.
The conversation follows national protests such as the May 2024 ‘Boycott Loblaws’ movement. While co‑ops are generally seen as a local alternative where shoppers are also owners, some residents say they are now driving to nearby cities or shopping at discount stores to save money.
The Lacombe Food Bank says it has seen a sharp surge in demand as costs go up. Analyses of Alberta grocery prices show that food costs have risen faster than wages in recent years, making it harder for families to afford basic items such as milk and bread.
Local shoppers have shared price comparisons on social media, including local Facebook groups and Reddit, noting that staples can be significantly more expensive at the Co‑op than at other shops. CBC reporting and provincial price‑comparison surveys show that people in many smaller Alberta communities often pay more for groceries than those in larger cities such as Edmonton or Calgary.
Central Alberta Co‑op, whose CEO is Rodney Perigny, points to its member‑owned structure and annual cash‑back/dividend programs as benefits for members. However, many residents say those year‑end rewards do not help with the immediate struggle of paying for groceries today.
