Food - Week 37: Fruit
Remember that September is National Preparedness Month and that's what we try to inspire you to do all year - be prepared with a growing food supply.
Several factors can contribute to higher fruit costs and unfortunately, we don't think this will not be the end of rising prices. California produces almost all of the country's almonds, apricots, dates, figs, kiwi fruit, nectarines, olives, pistachios, prunes, and walnuts. It leads in the production of avocados, grapes, lemons, melons, peaches, plums, and strawberries. Only Florida produces more oranges. With this said you can imagine the hit food prices take if California is suffering.
Many factors are in play. "Prices are expected to continue rising for 10 additional food-at-home categories in 2023. In 2023, prices are predicted to increase for beef and veal (4.2 percent), other meats (4.8 percent), poultry (3.0 percent), dairy products (4.1 percent), fats and oils (9.6 percent), processed fruits and vegetables (9.2 percent), sugar and sweets (9.3 percent), cereals and bakery products (9.0 percent), nonalcoholic beverages (7.6 percent), and other foods (7.4 percent). The prediction intervals of each of these categories are strictly above zero. ... Prices decreased 0.2 percent for fresh fruits and increased 0.5 percent for fresh vegetables from June 2023 to July 2023. Only the decrease in fresh fruit prices was attributable to seasonal factors. Prices for fresh fruits and vegetables are predicted to continue their relatively slower growth from 2022. Prices for fresh fruits are predicted to increase 0.4 percent in 2023, with a prediction interval of -1.4 to 2.3 percent." https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/
Here at Totally Ready, we try to warn you of coming events and food shortages. We do not want to be a chicken little and say the sky is falling or to create fear but knowledge is power. This week store 6 cans of fruit, OR take advantage of the end-of-season prices, buy fresh fruit and bottle 6 pints, or purchase 3 bags of frozen per family member.