Florida residents are spending much more on staple groceries than shoppers in other states, and it doesn't look like the pressure on food budgets will ease.
One analysis placed the state eighth in the United States for the cost of a basket of essentials. With diesel fuel at record levels, the cost of getting products to stores could add even more financial strain for people.
Here's what to know
A pricing study highlighted by The Daytona Beach News-Journal compared 30 staple items at Walmart locations in every state and Washington, D.C.
For shoppers nationwide, the 30-item basket averaged $132.57. Florida's total was $134.35. The highest average was in Alaska at $152.20, with Hawai'i next at $145.63, while New Jersey had the lowest total at $125.85.
August figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed continued price increases in a number of grocery categories. Turkey and other poultry products besides chicken were up 11.5%, instant coffee climbed 11%, beef roasts increased 8.4%, frozen fish and seafood increased 8.2%, and tomatoes were up 5.8%, according to the newspaper.
However, not every grocery item got more expensive. Egg prices dropped 23%, butter was down 8.3%, cheese and related products fell 3.8%, and fresh whole chickens declined 3%.
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More background
Because freight movement depends heavily on diesel, rising fuel prices can filter through the supply chain and show up on store shelves.
The News-Journal said diesel hit a record national average of $6.05 a gallon Sept. 11. Florida's average was $6.06.
That increase arrived alongside wider inflation trends. The BLS said consumer prices in August were up 3.4%, and food at home was up 2.2%.
"America has an inflation problem and it's more than just high gas and diesel prices," Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, told the News-Journal. "... American households are feeling the squeeze financially."
What can be done?
Long shared a few suggestions for shoppers concerned about rising grocery prices.
"It's a challenging time. Clipping coupons helps, but it's not enough. Inflation has wiped out all wage growth since April. This is the longest period of financial squeeze since 2012 (excluding the worst of the pandemic)," she wrote in an email to the outlet.
Long also suggested shopping at stores such as Sam's Club, Aldi, and Costco.
"I also recommend trying apps such as Too Good To Go that sell unused food from restaurants and bakeries at bargain prices and participating in 'buy nothing' groups and clothing swaps. Every bit helps," she added.
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