Some have dropped prices for their daily services and goods, but not grocery stores. Grocery prices have risen 13.1% since last July, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Local families on the Central Coast are feeling the effects, becoming a battle between keeping food on the table and rising food prices.
“What I’ve seen is an increase in all things meat and even fruit and milk. , it’s half of what you need,” said Paso Robles resident Consuelo Esquivel.
Staple foods such as eggs increased the most. Costs he rose 4.3% in July and 38% for the year.
“Milk was $6.50, it used to be $7. It used to be $5.99. explained Julissa Andrade of
That trip to the grocery store costs a lot more.
“Definitely we have to set aside some more money,” said Arroyo Grande resident Tina Abdullah.
“Right now, I think we spent about $116 compared to a few months ago or around January at the beginning of the year. It’s a $40 increase,” he said. Andrade.
So what are people doing to save money?
Local residents said everything from using coupons, comparing prices at local stores, and sticking to buying only the essentials.
“Basically, what we get is what we need. We don’t get sugary drinks or sodas or whatever we don’t need,” Esquivel said.
There are resources that provide food assistance, such as the SLO Food Bank and the Salvation Army Food Pantry.