Inflation is an issue that economies have struggled with for centuries. But now we are beginning to see it rise in grocery stores, gas stations, and anywhere money can be made. The effects of inflation are felt very easily for most everyday Americans. It can be as small as a dollar candy bar being two dollars, to as big as not knowing if dinner is an opportunity until the next paycheck.
This price hike has evidently led to more home cooking, but what does that entail?
According to research done by TIME Magazine, they report that “In 2019, 83 percent of our meals were sourced from retail, like grocery stores, while 17 percent were sourced from restaurants.” Now, sources across the web state that 86 percent of meals are sourced from the supermarket– a three percent increase from before.
Although it may be more affordable now to shop for meals rather than eat at restaurants or fast food chains, grocery store prices are escalating, too. As of July 2023, the cost of a dozen eggs on average, was two dollars and nine cents. But, in only a year, this price went up by a dollar. However, it is not just a dollar, it is a fifty percent increase.
Say that everyone had six hours to themselves after school, but apply that 50 percent increase, and now you have nine hours to do whatever you’d like with your day. The catch is that this increase is not as exciting as extra television time, rather it impacts how much a person is able to afford.
This does not only affect grocery shopping, but this limits one’s budget for other things like clothes, gasoline, and home bills.
The apparent inflation must affect civilians’ lifestyles. Due to the price surges, it not only has caused people to lose their homes, but it also makes it impossible for some to eat anymore.
According to Blommberg, there is a steady rate of a two percent increase in prices throughout grocery stores every couple months or so.
As of now, the average price of a single gallon of milk is $4.06. This means that over the course of five years, a gallon of milk could cost up to over $6 if these trends continue.
Paying $6 dollars for milk is insane, and most people don’t have that money in their pockets when needed.
Food alone is causing people to go broke, without paying water, gas, electrical, rent, and other monthly bills. This money loss can lead to different lifestyles, and in more extreme consequences, can lead to individuals or families living in their cars or ending up homeless.
Some civilians who just want to eat something in order to survive have to completely change how they live due to the rising prices that many individuals and incomes can not afford.
To sum it up, the undeniable effects of inflation have been detrimental. The way customers approach buying everyday items, the way to go about eating habits, and the ability to possess basic necessities have changed drastically due to inflation. It has changed the world so much that it’s hard to even just survive anymore.