One out of five Americans say they have lacked enough money to buy themselves or their families the food they need during the past year – another depressing indicator of the so-called economic “recovery” taking place in the United States.
According to Gallup data from last month, 20 percent of Americans say they have struggled to afford food within the last twelve months. That’s up from 17.7 percent in June – and the highest number on record since the worst point of the recession in late 2008.
“Stagnant wages are one possible reason why Americans’ ability to afford food and other basic needs has not improved since the recession,” Gallup’s pollsters note, citing data from the U.S. Labor Department showing that the average hourly pay for a “non-government, non-supervisory employee” has actually declined since the recession officially ended.
“Depressed wages are likely negatively affecting the economic recovery by reducing consumer spending, but another serious and costly implication may be that fewer Americans are able to consistently afford food and meet other basic needs,” the pollsters note.
Ya think?
“Hope and change!” “Yes we can!”
Or something …
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices in America spiked by 20 percent from 2006-2012 – outpacing the broader consumer price index, which expanded by 14 percent over the same period. Those prices have continued to climb this year due to shortages of fruits and vegetables.
10 comments
An observation; used to buy a half gallon of ice cream for $5, now that $5 buys 1.75 quarts. Blue Bell ice cream is the only company I have noticed that still sells its ice cream in ½ gallon containers. The burgers at the fast food places are getting smaller. Businesses are doing a number of tricks to avoid showing an actual higher price on things. Inflation is in stealth mode and it can’t last like this much longer, it will come out proud and loud before too much longer.
Yeel yep
Is that why that dad gum Blue Bell seems like it is so expensive? Sure tastes good though!
Love that stuff.Try the Butter Crunch.Got a half gallon for $5,at BI-LO.
Recently noticed that in the cracker section strange rectangular boxes had appeared. Being shifty, I took 16 boxes and put them side by side for comparison with weight/volume. It seems that the companies are attempting to create an optical illusion with these new designs. However, EVERYONE is complaining about that &*$$**&& ICE CREAM!
The Cracker section is always the first aisle I visit.Notice how small those Pepperidge Farm cakes have gotten? Not worth it.I prefer,Little Debbie.
Mr. Henry, I was not trying to promote ice cream at the expense of crackers I was just using something with which I was more familiar. I believe all snacks should get equal exposure on the grocer’s shelf. But since you brought up crackers and I don’t want the chips people to feel left out, have you noticed that the chip bags are bigger but they are only half full, seems that way to me.
EJB — Understood. My statement about ice cream was unclear. I was trying to emphasize that nearly everyone I know noticed the changes in ice cream sizes first. You are correct about the chip bags, but they remain the same shape. It was the peculiar cracker boxes that caught my eye last week. Other packaged products have done this. My thinking is that if a company needs to minimize a product in an attempt to survive it’s really ok with me, because I’ll still buy it and just eat less – which helps me maintain my weight.
PS to EJB: The world is in a turmoil and we are posting comments on Fitsnews about food, football, area codes, and lesbian lawyers. HAH!
I’m so fat, I’d like to maintain YOUR weight!