Rising Food Prices Boosted By Inflation Takes Bite Out Of Holiday Barbecue Gatherings

This Fourth Of July, as Americans celebrate their nation’s 250th birthday, parties, cookouts, and get togethers will be the source of celebration for many around the metro area, including here in East Point, where plenty of people celebrate the 4th by firing up the grill.

But stubborn inflation numbers along with the cost of rising food prices are taking a bite out of your BBQ plate as the price of meat and other products has gone up since last year’s 4th.

The annual survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation found consumers will pay an average of $73.82 for a 10-person barbecue this holiday, a 4 percent increase from last year.

The total market basket in their survey includes ground beef, cheese, hamburger buns, pork chops, chicken breasts, pork and beans, potato salad, chips, strawberries, ice cream, cookies, and lemonade. Baked goods saw the largest cost increases from last year.

While prices are going up everywhere, there are still deals to be found. Grocery analysts recommend consumers consider cheaper alternatives when doing their 4th of July food buying and that includes store-affiliated brands sold at grocers like “Great Value” at Wal-Mart and similar brands sold at Kroger and Publix.

Local grocery chains such as Wayfield are still offering their five pack meat special at $25, which may be a help as well.

Dollar Tree sells incidentals like paper plates, eating utensils, and napkins for a little more than a buck and are also a convenient and cost-effective shopping option.

In order to eat good while saving a penny this holiday, its a good idea to prioritize cost-saving measures in order to absorb what many economists believe will be a pricier Fourth Of July and a long inflationary period ahead.