Medford, Ore. — A spike in food prices has grocery shoppers feeling the pinch.
New numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show food prices rose 0.4 percent in February. It’s the highest spike since September 2011, and shoppers said they’re feeling the effects.
One of those shoppers is Nancy Hamlet. She and her mother shop for groceries every two weeks, less than they used to. She said they’re more mindful when it comes to grocery shopping.
“We just come with our list and try to stick with it,” Hamlet said.
They’re limiting the shopping because they said they’re feeling the effects of rising food prices.
“It seems like every week when we come shopping everything has gone up 50 cents to $1,” Hamlet said.
Food 4 Less General Manager Renee West said the inflation can’t be blamed on just one thing.
“It’s a combination of thing. Fuel increases, drought, unavailability of certain items when they’re in demand,” West said.
Nutritional Programs Director at Access Food Share Philip Yates said the non-profit that provides food for low income individuals said they served a record breaking number of people in January.
“That in itself speaks volumes to me that there are a lot of people out there who need help,” Yates said.
He also said he expects Februaries numbers to look the same when they come out, partly blaming higher food costs.
“I do expect them to be as high as they were in January,” Yates said. “I don’t see this trend going away.”
According to the Agriculture Department grocery store prices are expected to increase 3.5 percent this year. That’s up .9 percent from 2013.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.