HUNTS POINT, Bronx (WABC) — Many Americans are making tough choices when it comes to paying for groceries. The soaring prices are not only hurting wallets, but they are also hurting groups that help people in need.
Grocery prices have gone up about 3% in the past year, in part because of tariffs. But now the war with Iran is also driving up prices.
The Food Bank For New York City says its costs have jumped 35% since the first week in February.
That’s 35% more to cover the cost of diesel for the organization’s fleet of 39 trucks. It’s diesel not just to drive, but for refrigeration and to make sure the food stays fresh.
And diesel prices are up because tankers can’t pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The geopolitical issue is a world away but is impacting the heart of the Bronx.
“All those costs that are going to increase, whether it’s transportation, fuel, they’re going to pack into the food prices and then our community, our neighbors, if they weren’t able to get food before at their local supermarkets, now the impact is greater,” said Elizabeth Romano, the Sr. Dir of Operations for Food Bank for NYC
Some New York City residents said they are becoming increasingly dependent on free food or are avoiding buying certain items due to high costs.
“Low-income households spend about a third or more of their income on groceries, and so any increase in price is going to make more people at the lower income level more food insecure,” said Professor Nevin Cohen.
Cohen is the director of the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute and suspects higher food prices will stick around.
“As we also learned from COVID, the impacts of supply shocks can last quite a long time,” Cohen said.
And because Romano also expects food prices to stay elevated, she’s strategizing on ways to ensure the food bank is well-stocked.
“What are the impacts that are coming, what foods can we purchase, so it’s different buying potatoes vs. raspberries,” Romano said.
Tips to save money
Some tips to save money include moving away from meat and leaning into beans for protein. Beans are cheaper and are very healthy.
If you can buy in bulk, do so. It’s an easy way to save money.
You can even buy meat in bulk and butcher it yourself. If you don’t have a big enough freezer, go in with a neighbor or relative.
And while many people are avoiding buying fresh fruit, berries in particular, you can buy them frozen. You still get the nutritional benefits and save about 50%.
Some supermarkets are offering two-for-one incentives, so shop for those deals.
And if you haven’t already signed up for a rewards program at your supermarket, you should do so now and use those points toward savings.
These steps will help save precious dollars, which add up over time.
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