Today on one of the groups I’m on, someone was talking about how the prices of different grains have gone up. I went back and looked at what I was paying for grains in late 2020 or early 2021. I understand that EVERYTHING has gone up but these were all in my account and easy to compare.
July, 2020 – Artisan flour – 50 pounds – $55/now $78.50
Nov., 2020 – Hard white wheat – 50 pounds – $45/now $73.50
Even the grains I’ve ordered from Azure Standard just a few months ago have gone up.
March, 2022 – Spelt – 25 pounds – $29.95/now $35.16
April, 2022 – Spelt – 25 pounds – $31.45/now $35.16
April, 2022 – Dried Yellow Corn – 50 pounds – $25.60/now $44.15
May, 2022 – Rye – 25 pounds – $17.04/now $20.19
The flour and hard white wheat prices took huge jumps and when you think about how much we buy that has flour in it, there’s no wonder so many prices have gone up.
The spelt is a 17% increase in four months. If that rate continues, it could go up about 70% in one year.
Look at the dried corn price – that’s a 72% increase in three months. If that continues, that means corn prices could be up 288% in one year. The 50 pound bag of corn I bought for $25.60 could be $73.90 within the next 9 months. It could be more . . could be less. Not everyone is buying dried corn but don’t think this won’t affect you. Corn products are in a heck of a lot of items in the grocery store.
We all know grocery prices are going up but sometimes just comparing prices to what they were a few months ago is eye opening.
If you know folks who may be struggling with buying groceries, and if you’re able to pick up a few extra cans at the grocery store, I’m betting it would be greatly appreciated.
Elle says
I agree that those of us who are able, should help others meet their need for food.
I do ask that folks contact their local foodbank. Why? Mine has partnerships in place that get prices so much better than me. They can get $5 of food for every $1 I give. So yes, I can send 12 cans. I can give them the cash and they can turn it into 60 cans.
Another thing I learned in a local education campaign a few years ago is to consider what foods you give and what else is required to put it on the table. They used the example of boxed Mac and Cheese. Yes it is good and it is filling. But many families cannot afford the butter/margarine and milk needed to make it. I honestly had NEVER considered that and I felt terrible.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Mostly I give to people I know are hurting. Many will not go to the food banks or church pantries out of pride. I can take them a loaf of bread, a stick of butter and a jar of homemade jam. Those are things that may not be terribly nutritious but are comfort foods. Also, I can still buy a 12 pack case of green beans, green peas, and carrots (three separate things – not mixed) for less than $7 at Sam’s with free shipping. We use those and I share those, along with ground beef because we have an abundance of that in the freezer.
I will almost always say “You know I love making bread and we don’t need this much so I thought you might like a loaf.” Or, “I just made this jam and I’m so proud of it and wanted to share.” so they don’t think I’m feeling like they can’t afford food.
Elle says
That makes a big difference. Around here, folks are going to the foodbank. So awesome you know folks who need it can share what is “too much for us”. 🙂
Nelle Coursey says
A friend called me today to tell me he went to Walmart to get beef bullion. He said he could get a small one for $2 a bottle or he could get 3 of the same size for $18!! There is no telling how many people will see the 3 for $18 and not even think anything about it! You can bet the ones going down the line to the grocery stores are not hurting, unless it is the original seller!
judy.blog@gmail.com says
What a deal? 🙂 The last time we were in Walmart, I needed Pectin. They had a two box “Value Pack” and a six box pack. The two box “value pack” was a bout 40 cents more per box. I understand though that some people don’t want 6 boxes so, in that case, paying $4.00 for two boxes vs. paying $10 for 6 boxes was a good idea. Buy what you’ll use.
I’m constantly dividing things out to see which one is the best deal.
Rebecca says
We see this puzzling type pricing shopping on-line, too. Sometimes you can smaller amounts for more money! We always wonder who is so careless as to buy that. Maybe people who click on the first thing they see? (shrug)