By Sonali Kolhatkar
THE
REAL REASON
OUR GROCERY BILLS ARE SO HIGH
Americans have had to weather much in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic first began , including price inflation of basic necessities . Grocery bills , especially , are a drain on household finances . But , as recent reports show , inflation is easing across many industries , and yet food prices overall have remained stubbornly high . Not only is that an indication of a deep rot at the heart of the food industry , agribusinesses , and corporate grocery chains , but it is also a clear sign that we need to repair our entire food system .
Reporting on a new Census Bureau survey , USA Today ’ s Sara Chernikoff found that “[ t ] he average American household spends more than $ 1,000 per month on groceries .” And , while it ’ s not surprising that those residing in expensive states like California have high grocery bills , there ’ s little relief for those living in states with lower costs of living . An average California family ’ s weekly grocery bill is $ 297.72 , but an average North Carolina family ’ s bill is $ 266.23 — nearly as high .
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