Xavier Aguilar 
EDINBURG – With food prices rising, people across America are feeling the hit to their wallets. In the most recent report from the consumer price index, food prices have increased by an average of 11 percent placing a strain on some people’s budgets and causing concerns for individuals.
“[Food] It’s something I try not to indulge in as much just because it’s something that you know I have to take into account finances. I have to make sure I have enough money and bills,” said Pedro Garcia a computer engineering student.
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index Report, from August 2021 to August 2022, items such as eggs are up 39.8 percent, meat is up 6.7 percent, chicken is up 16.6 percent, fresh fruits and vegetables are up 9.4 percent and nonalcoholic beverages and beverage material, such as juices and sodas are up 13.4 percent.
Gautam Hazarika, associate professor of economics, explained some of the factors affecting inflation.
“The inflation we have today is a combination of both a rise in the cost of raw materials, supply chain disruptions, and also a rise in demand caused by this pent-up demand that is now showing itself,” said Hazarika, “people were all frustrated so when covid petered out or diminished. People began to frequent restaurants more often and start spending more.”
Hazarika also advised that students should look for cheaper or discounted food items and make simple shopping substitutions to help their budget.
Garcia shared what he is doing to combat inflation.
“Most of the time I try not to eat out, so I make sure not to go to restaurants on a daily basis or even a weekly basis. I make sure to prioritize getting low-cost food, so chicken, rice, and beef. Things relative where I can make sure to eat throughout the week […] because on a daily basis if you were to have three takeout meals that could accumulate to anywhere to 20 to 30 dollars depending on where you go.” said Garcia
Students experiencing food insecurity can go to the UTRGV food pantry on both the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses to receive help.
