How Much Are Food Prices Really Rising?by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 27 Mar 2008 09:49 AM If you are wondering exactly how much food prices have been rising, let me share with you some U.S. federal date. Compared to last year, wholesale egg prices have risen 60 percent, pasta has risen 30 percent and fresh produce has risen by 20 percent. Unfortunately, this data is a little old. It doesn't take into consideration recent months when food prices have really been soaring. Overall, prices for food have risen by 5.8 percent above last year. And, they are expected to increase by 7.5 percent every year for the next five years. Other resources report that baby formula, on average, is up to $38 a case, milk has surpassed the $4 mark in most states, and the average price for a small loaf of bread is between $3.49 and $3.99. A family of three in New Hampshire, who paid $125 per week in groceries last year, reports that they now spend $200 a week for the same groceries. Cereal portions have become smaller, with boxes of cereal holding less than they used to hold. So, be ware when shopping. You might not think the increase in price is all that dramatic, until you see the reduced amount of cereal that is actually in the box. The rise in food prices is having a big impact. Families are finding themselves having to make choices to eliminate healthy foods, such as fresh produce and staples from their diets in order to be able to eat. Gas prices, while high also, account for only about 4 percent of a family's budget. Food, on the other hand, accounts for 13 percent or more of a family's budget, depending on the family size. Rising food prices can really hurt consumer confidence, reducing consumer spending in other areas. We are exposed to the rising food prices on a daily basis. Oh, and here is an amusing little tidbit. Last year, according to http://www.outsidethebeltway.com, Rudy Guiliani was asked by a reporter about the price of staples. He answered "A gallon of milk is probably about a $1.50, a loaf of bread about a $1.25, $1.30." Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here. Related Articles: Save 50 Percent on Meat, Fish and Poultry Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantfrugal tags User Comments  Andrea Hermitt (5507) 27 Mar 2008 11:57 AMI just got back from the grocery store. What I have decided is that the prices of food is forcing me on a diet. I purchased 1 dozen of eggs and one loaf of bread when I used to buy two. Purchased a smaller amount of meat and it was frozen instead of fresh. My other purchases consisted of what was on sale for buy one get one free. This included apple juice, Doritos, and toaster pastries, and hot dogs. I guess that covers breakfast and lunch. I did get fruit though. The strawberries and grapes and bananas were priced well.  deedee1231 (4030) 27 Mar 2008 03:05 PMYes, I feel as if I am on a forced diet as well. As I try to stay within my grocery budget, our meals keep getting smaller! I have already cut out all of the junk I usually buy for the kids (fruit snacks, twinkies, cheese curls, etc.), so I don't know how much further I am going to be able to stretch my shopping allowance. I may have find a few extra dollars from another part of my budget, but I am not sure where. Certainly not gasoline! jonesx6 (1606) 28 Mar 2008 12:15 PMI've have also cut out the junk food. Besides not being good, I just can't really afford it anymore. While at Trader Joe's this afternoon I was going to buy some bread. The bread was $2.50. I know last year it was only $1.99. I put the bread down and vowed to make my own bread from now on. Ugh! We definitly need to keep our country in prayer!! Laura allmuxedup (5) 24 Jul 2008 06:04 PMOK... I'm new & I'm gonna start out w/ getting blasted by members who've been here since the dawn of time... oh well. If you're going to live frugally, cut out the junk food... as some have said. Ms. Hermitt was economical because she bought "apple juice, Doritos, and toaster pastries, and hot dogs" at 1/2 price? Where's the nutrition in there? That's buying high fructose corn syrup to go w/ your nitrites! Fat & cancer in one package! Now... don't get me wrong... I love all those things, but I haven't had any in year. I raise most of my food in my garden. I have no grass in my yard & when I was in an apartment, I had pots w/ veggies. I had over 30 fruit trees in my yard when I sold the house. I've upgraded to growning my own meat now as well, I decieded that I could live as well if I gave up the city bought a farm. In the city, people shopping at expensive whole food stores would tell me you can't put a price on your health. And yet, they did by living in the city! I grow 100% organic & natural beef, lamb, goat, rabbits & chicken. I'll be adding pigs & turkeys this next year. I had rabbits in my apartment. I know what my meat eats! I know that my veggies are healthy for me. Add to that the clean air of the country & self sufciency... the good life is cheap!!! And, it's cheaper (as well as healthier) if you make it yourself!!! Community Tags Food, frugal, groceries, price, recession Discuss this article
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