Rising Food Prices: An Everyday Reality

It’s been on my mind for a while, but it really hit home last week when my wife spent $58 on just three chicken salad sandwiches. That’s it—no fries or drinks, just a couple of sandwiches with a bit of greens and potato chips on the side.

And just to clarify, this wasn’t in a bustling city like New York or D.C.—it was in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Sure, it’s a charming, liberal university town, but it’s certainly not midtown Manhattan.

You might think I’m overreacting, but I really believe a sandwich like that should cost about $5 at most.

Back in the early 2000s, I remember having a fantastic lunch special in Clarendon, Virginia, just outside D.C. I got two big slices of pizza, a hearty salad, and iced tea—all for $4.95.

These days, I’m grateful to leave a local coffee shop without feeling like I need to take out a loan. Prices are climbing fast, but salaries don’t seem to keep up—yours probably don’t either.

But it’s not just about the prices. The portion sizes are also shrinking. I was at another West Virginia restaurant recently and noticed that while the prices stayed the same, the servings were noticeably smaller—like a smaller BLT or a reduced side salad.

It’s frustrating.

I can almost hear you saying, “This guy just wants to complain about prices”—and maybe you’re right. But here’s the thing: food is essential. As Wind put it, “this is the cost of blame,” affecting everyone, and those on a budget feel it the most.

Even fast food has become surprisingly pricey. Last year, a photographer found an abandoned McDonald’s in Alaska with a 1994 menu. Prices back then? The Big Mac was $2.45, while now, meal combos can reach $18 in some areas.

For a family of four, a simple meal at McDonald’s could easily run you close to $100.

Yet, fast food isn’t the only option—we see many Americans choosing to eat out less.

If you think cooking at home will help save money, prepare for a surprise. Grocery prices are nearly 3% higher than last year, and inflation isn’t easing up anytime soon. Essentially, you’re still spending more to keep your fridge full.

This is driven by various factors: supply chain issues, rising energy costs, unpredictable weather, and labor shortages following the pandemic. It’s complex and not something you can pin solely on one leader.

But voters aren’t interested in economic theories; they’re checking their grocery receipts. That’s likely why President Joe Biden has faced criticism over rising food costs. Recent polls indicate that food prices are a major concern for voters heading into 2024.

Trump has promised to “lower prices on day one,” but what does that even mean? His campaign has made big promises, but whether they’ll translate to real change is another question.

Worse yet, tariffs could push food prices even higher. As fresh produce exporters deal with increased costs, it might be healthy food options—the very things we need—becoming pricier. Historically, affordable labor has helped keep costs down, but an immigration crackdown could threaten that.

So, does this matter? Clearly, Americans are paying attention to food prices. A recent poll showed that 53% find grocery costs very stressful, while another 33% consider it a minor stressor. That means a staggering 86% of people are feeling the weight of these expenses.

What remains to be seen is whether people will squarely blame Trump and the Republicans for this situation.

As the 2024 election approaches, there’s the age-old adage that “it’s the economy, stupid.” People don’t feel good when they’re getting gouged at checkout.

This perspective suggests that Trump might bear the brunt of the blame for high food costs, just as Biden has—perhaps unfairly.

There’s also a competing thought that Trump operates outside traditional political norms and has a devoted following that may ignore the usual criticisms. But to what extent?

I suspect hardcore supporters might adeptly overlook scandals but may struggle to ignore their empty stomachs. Unless food prices drop dramatically—unlikely in the current climate—we’re all going to feel the pinch.