This is Viewpoints Explained…
There’s little relief this year at the grocery store. Over the last few years, the cost of everything from bread and meat to dairy and produce have all gone up. Across the board, food prices have risen by almost 30 percent over the last five years, according to year-over-year data released by the bureau of labor statistics.
And, sadly, it’s not expected to turn around anytime soon. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that costs will continue to creep upwards by about two percent across 2025. Even in just the last two months, the cost of essentials like eggs and chicken have skyrocketed due to disruptions in the supply chain caused by the spread of bird flu. Earlier this month, the average price of a dozen eggs reached eight dollars per carton. Chicken prices have also jumped but not as drastically. The cost of a pound of chicken breast has risen by about 30 percent over the last few months but experts say this price could continue to tick upwards if bird flu persists.
So, what’s causing these consistently high prices across the board? It’s not just inflation anymore, but a mixture of issues. The food supply chain has been strained by labor shortages, disease outbreaks and disruptions caused by climate change. There’s also the threat of impending tariffs which could raise prices for imported food items including many fruits and vegetables.
While prices seem stuck for now, it’s important to be a cognizant consumer and keep track of price tags. If you can, opt for the generic store brand or what’s on sale. Buy in bulk if it’s cheaper overall and you know the product won’t go to waste. Also consider cutting higher priced items like meat, packaged snacks and prepared dishes from the shopping list.
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