Bacon Breaking the Bank? Food Cost vs Food Security
Delmarva residents discuss the rising cost in food prices.
DELMARVA – Eating is a necessity, but in today’s society, is it feasible? While food cost is going up, appetites are not going down- and not everyone can afford it. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index for food at home was up 1.7%, despite inflation going down in 2023. The real question is, how is this affecting the citizens of Delmarva?
What are the Stats?
Help Advisor analyzed the data from the U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey, which measured the average amount of money spent on food prepared at home. Studies showed the U.S. households spend an average of $270.21 per week on groceries or roughly $1,080 per month. It went on to say that households with children spend an average of $331.94 per week at the grocery store, or 41% more than households without children. That’s an average of $1,260 per month- more than most Americans pay monthly in utilities.
Delmarva isn’t exempt from the raise in food cost. Delaware residents, according to the survey, rank #9 for the cheapest amount spent weekly on groceries at $246.21. Virgina is 25th on the list with weekly average of $259.76, and Maryland tops of Delmarva’s grocery cap at #29th on the nation’s list with an average of $266.11 spent weekly on food prepared at home. Despite the survey, Delaware’s residents had some varying opinions on what they spend per month.
Melvin Jones, Delaware resident stated, “Well, we have two people, myself and my wife, and we spend about, I would say, between the two of us, about $300.” Julie Mason, resident of Milford said she spends anywhere between $400-500 monthly, but “…before the pandemic, I would say maybe, well, $300-$400. Prices have gone up. Unfortunately, I do feel bad for the people that have young children.” Other residents, such as Maurice Daniels, say there are other things to worry about. “One thing that I don’t do, I don’t complain about the prices because there are some people are worse off than me. You know, you’re going to either buy it or you’re not going to eat.”
What is Food Security?
Food security is defined when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life, based on the 1996 World Food Summit. There are four main dimensions that make up the definition; availability- the level of food production, stock levels, and net trade, access– an adequate supply of food at household level, food utilization– sufficient energy and nutrient intake by individuals or good feeding practices, and stability– economic factors, unemployment, or rising food prices that may impact your status. In order for food security objectives to be realized, all four dimensions must be fulfilled simultaneously.
Is there Community Support?
Many organizations such as the Maryland Food Bank, Food Bank of Delaware, and Dos Santos Food Pantry of Accomack County all help those in search of food security. That being said, organizers say it can be somewhat difficult to reach every individual in need. The Delaware Department of Social Services Cabinet Secretary, Daniel Walker, told reporters, “Everyone is seeing the price of groceries increase and our clients are no different. While we must follow federal rules in determining the amount individuals can receive through our Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program (SNAP), every day our staff go above and beyond to connect those individuals with community providers helping to fill the gap.” They are open weekly and welcome people from all demographics to apply for assistance. More information on their program can be found on the state’s website.
This confirming, there is a helping hand here in Delmarva.
