NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The U.S. government released new dietary guidelines earlier this year, and new research shows that following them could increase yearly grocery bills by over 30%.
The new guidelines emphasize eating real food, a shift from the traditional food pyramid that recommended a couple servings of protein, three to four servings of fruits and vegetables and six to 11 servings of whole grains like rice, pasta and bread.
The USDA now has a new idea of what healthy eating looks like. Research from Numerator found that following the new guidelines could mean spending an extra $1,000 a year.
Protein prices rising
The new guidelines put emphasis on protein, which is already seeing price hikes.
“I have noticed like 30 dollars for a ribeye steak. I am an Instacart shopper, so I have noticed the prices just gradually going up. I have been doing this for about six months now,” said Chasmine Curtis.
Curtis spends a lot of time in the grocery store. She said to keep her bill low, she has already made adjustments to her diet.
“I have made changes like dairy. I’ve gone from dairy to non-dairy,” Curtis said.
Consumers are not the only ones trying to stay afloat.
As prices rise, grocery assistance programs like The Store are seeing a spike in demand.
“As the food prices go up, it makes it even harder to serve the people on our waiting list. We have 3,000 on our waiting list right now,” said Brittney Brown of The Store.
The Store is also making adjustments as they work to find more protein partnerships. Brown said in order to supply all of their customers, they have had to put limits on how many protein items each family can take.
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