With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Bakersfield residents are flocking to stores for pies and other essentials, despite higher dinner prices compared to other parts of the nation.
Delaney Michael, an Instacart worker, described the scene at local stores like Costco as “chaotic,” with people lining up early to grab last-minute items.
“Oh, lots of pushing and shoving. Everyone forgets their manners today,” Michael said, noting that it took 20 minutes for her in-laws to enter the store.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 40th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey, prices in California are nearly $20 higher than the national average. However, in Bakersfield, prices have remained relatively stable compared to last year, with costs less than a dollar above the Western region average for a dinner serving 10 people.
Aaron Hegde, executive director for the Grimm Family Center for Agriculture Business, expressed surprise at the modest price increase.
“People had forecasted the prices to be about 40% higher,” Hegde said.
He suggested that high grocery prices over the past three years due to inflation might have led stores to adjust their pricing strategies.
Despite the price hikes, some shoppers, like Regina Pryor, are unfazed. “You know, I didn’t even look because you have to get the things you need. You just buy. It’s Thanksgiving,” Pryor said.
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Hegde advised planning ahead and shopping at different stores to find the best deals, a strategy that may be more useful for Christmas shopping.