Global food prices have hit "dangerous levels" that could contribute to political instability, push millions of people into poverty and raise the cost of groceries, according to a new report from the World Bank.How many of you have noticed our food prices rising? How about the price of gasoline?
Perhaps you've noticed. Perhaps you've given a bit more thought about combining some errands or chosen to eat out less.
For most of the world's population any rise in food or fuel prices means that they go hungry or can't travel to work. Considering that 1:7 Americans receives food stamps, this means many people you know - maybe even you - will soon face even tougher decisions regarding basic needs.
Food prices soared 3.9 percent last month, the biggest gain since November 1974. Most of that increase was due to a sharp rise in vegetable costs, which increased nearly 50 percent. That was the most in almost a year. Meat and dairy products also rose.At at a time when obesity is epidemic in our country it is particularly noteworthy that the cost of vegetables that are rising the most. One reason for this is that vegetables are not subsidized by our tax dollars, unlike commodity crops (corn, soy, and wheat.)
I'd love to hear what YOU are doing in order to keep keep food affordable for your family. Are you creating a garden, perhaps for the first time? Have you purchased a CSA farm share? Are you going to farmers markets? Have you discovered a produce "happy hour" at a grocery store? Are you using coupons? Please share what you're doing and be sure to include links to resources.
Let's work together, neighbor helping neighbor, to continue to eat healthful foods in spite of some troubling economic trends!
