Will There Be a Food Shortage in America? How to Prepare for Rising Prices
Last month, President Biden predicted that the United States will experience a food scarcity in the next few months. While some experts claim that there will not be an extensive food shortage, others say that we may see empty shelves in stores similar to what was seen at the beginning of the pandemic. Several things contribute to the tension in the global food supply including the war in Ukraine. These problems have the potential to negatively affect people who are already struggling financially as well as countries that are prone to food insecurity. Despite the challenges we may face, there are ways to manage the situation.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare for rising food prices:
-Create a budget: Determine how much you can spend on groceries each week and stick to it.
-Shop around: Compare prices at different stores before making a purchase. There are many websites that you can use to search around for coupons and even plugins that you can install in your browser.
-Buy in bulk: When possible, buy non-perishable items in larger quantities. This will help you save money in the long run. Many people are getting memberships at BJ’s and Sam’s Club and buying in bulk- although their prices are increasing.
-Cook at home: Eating out can be expensive, so try cooking more meals at home. Yummly offers a virtual pantry option where you can scan items you’ve purchased and it will suggest meals based on your pantry.
-Grow your own food: If you have the space, consider planting a garden. This is a great way to get fresh produce without breaking the bank. Heirloom seeds are the best seeds on the market, their germination rate is the highest which means you have to use less.
-Buy survival food buckets: It might sound extreme, but they are cost effective, save space, and have a shelf life of 25 years. They can be found online and typically have bulk dehydrated meat, fruit, and vegetables.
Prices have increased on some items more than others. For example, the price of eggs has risen about 15% since last year while the price of beef has increased by almost 40%. The cost of chicken is also predicted to go up in the next few months. One way to help offset the rising prices is to buy meat alternatives such as beans, lentils, and tofu. These options are not only more affordable, but they are also typically healthier for you. Another suggestion is to grow your own food if possible. This could be anything from a small herb garden on your windowsill to starting a farm. Not everyone has the space or resources for this, but it’s something to consider if you are able.
Meat, grains, dairy, and eggs may all be in short supply throughout the United States. These items are essential for many middle-class families who can’t afford expensive or luxurious goods. Many American families have struggled with food deprivation, increasing unemployment rates, and rapidly rising grocery costs long before the epidemic began. Inflation was already at an all-time high. These costs are comparable across the world. Smaller nations, such as those that rely on Russian and Ukrainian exports, are more susceptible to food shortages in a far more severe manner than the United States.
Economists predict that food prices will continue to rise in the coming months. This is due to a number of factors, including the ongoing pandemic, which has disrupted supply chains and made it difficult for farmers to get their products to market. The situation is further complicated by the fact that many countries are still struggling to recover from the global financial crisis of 2008. This means that there is less money available to invest in agriculture, which could lead to even higher food prices in the future. Farmers are struggling to keep up with demand, and many are resorting to using less land to grow crops. This could lead to even higher food prices in the future.
The war in Ukraine has been a large part of the reason for global food shortages. It has interrupted the transport of many goods, including wheat. The United Nations revealed that 1.75 million metric tons of wheat have not been shipped since the start of hostilities. This is just one example of how conflict can create obstacles for farmers and distributors who are trying to get food to those who need it. The global pandemic has also made it difficult for people to access food. Many countries have instituted lockdowns and travel restrictions, which make it hard for people to go out and buy groceries. In some cases, people are resorting to looting and other illegal activities in order to get their hands on food.
Sources:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6knVq8OfgY&t=631s
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KI4A9UECSA
- Here’s why food shortages are unlikely to occur in the U.S.
- https://www.11alive.com/article/news/verify/will-russia-ukraine-conflict-create-food-shortage/85-2a2bea86-44f2-4ec4-a4ae-dbd8a227f559
- https://www.politifact.com/article/2022/apr/18/looming-food-shortages-probably-not-us/
- https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/number-of-families-struggling-to-afford-food-rose-steeply-in-pandemic-and
- https://parade.com/1332615/jessicasager/food-shortages-2022/
- https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update