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 have contributed to higher fruit costs and unfortunately, 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 when California is suffering.
Many factors are in play. Overall inflation is just one of them. Higher fuel prices are another. Fruits must be shipped and transportation costs have skyrocketed in 2021-2022. Third and most importantly, the drought (https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/california/drought-map).
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 bottle 6 pints, or purchase 3 bags of frozen per family member.