The basic food basket in Campinas, São Paulo has seen a significant rise at the start of 2026, registering its highest price since July 2025, at R$ 790.47. According to research conducted by the PUC-Campinas Observatory, the increase of 0.98% compared to December 2025 is attributed mainly to the prices of tomatoes, butter, and rice which have significantly risen in recent months. This situation impacts the affordability of basic food items for local residents, given the current economic conditions.

The research further highlights the relationship between the cost of this food basket and the local minimum wage, which has been set at R$ 1,621.00 since January 2026. It reveals that this basic basket now consumes 48.7% of the minimum wage, emphasizing the financial strain on families who rely on this income. For a typical family of four, comprising two adults and two children, the study indicates that approximately three basic baskets would be necessary to meet their monthly food needs, underlining the challenges faced by many families in the region.

This rise in costs raises significant concerns about food security and economic stability for households in Campinas. As the price of essential food items continues to escalate, there is an urgent need for policy responses and interventions to aid low-income families and ensure access to affordable nutrition. The government and local authorities may need to explore strategies to either stabilize prices or provide support to those most affected by these increases in order to alleviate the financial burden on families and maintain food access in the community.