The low dollar is sending food prices in Ottawa and across the country soaring. It’s forced some people to change their spending habits.

“Lettuce…I haven’t bought it for a month, it’s too expensive,” said Myrna Daly who was shopping at Produce Depot on Carling Avenue in the city’s west end.

According to Statistics Canada, the price of fresh fruit went up about three per cent between December 2013 and December 2014.

The cost of tomatoes increased by about 18 per cent and fresh or frozen beef increased by 22.5 per cent.

Statistics for January 2015 won’t be available until the end of February, according to Statistics Canada.