For the past year or so, inflation has been a significant issue for our country. Currently sitting at an 8.2% inflation rate, the purchasing power of consumers has been severely limited. Things like gas, rent, and even something as simple as a haircut, have all gone up in price. But I think the most devastating impact of inflation is the increase in food prices.
Inflation has a tremendous impact on the food industry. The increase in costs influences the type, quantity, and quality of foods served at restaurants, stores, supermarkets, etc., and how much operators are willing to spend. The other day I went into my local pizzeria to buy a slice. As I went to the cash register, I took out $3.50 as usual. When the cash register read $4.00, I was a little shocked. I asked, “Isn’t a plain slice only $3.50?” Food prices have skyrocketed all over the country due to inflation, and for low-income families struggling to purchase meals before this inflation scare, this can become lethal.
Low-income families were already spending much of their income on food, and today’s economy only worsens this. When prices rise, food becomes unaffordable and inaccessible to these people who are already struggling, pushing more people into poverty. In the past year, food prices have risen 11.4%, according to the most recent Consumer Price Index Report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And for foods like bread and eggs, which every family should be able to have, they have risen by 16.2% (bread) and 39.8% (eggs).
Overall, inflation is a significant issue in our country, and for low-income families who have already been struggling to fight back against food insecurity, inflation is highly deadly.
no1-hungry 