OKC families struggle with rising food prices during egg shortage

Contributing

Families throughout Oklahoma City have seen monthly grocery bills increase dramatically in recent months, highlighted by the significant increase in the cost of eggs.

And like many families across the U.S., they are buying less and forced to be more frugal due to higher food prices.

Shari Jones, a single mom shopping at a local Homeland, expressed frustration with current prices.

“It’s ridiculous, Homeland charges 6 dollars for a gallon of milk, the prices are crazy, I just walk around the store in shock.” Jones said.

Sticker shock is real at the supermarket. If it seems like everything has gotten even more expensive this year, that is because it has. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, foodat-home prices increased by 11.4% in 2022 alone.

So, why are prices going up? There are a lot of in- gredients that make up the recipe for food inflation, including supply chain issues, increased transportation costs, and even an outbreak of bird flu.

All these things and more affect the price you see on your grocery receipt. Cost increases add to food insecurity at a time when more than 3.4% of Oklahomans are out of work. The pennies can add up, week by week, family by family. For those feeling the pressure from a higher gro- cery bill, there are some tips to help keep on track; such as making a list of what you need before heading to the store, using coupons when you can, and picking items that are on sale.

Consumers can also check The Bureau of Labor

Statistics’ monthly consumer price index, a free resource that uses human data collectors and includes other food product categories, which can be useful when trying to shop on a budget.