Food prices up as holidays approach

The government shutdown and disruption to SNAP have exposed how common food uncertainty is in the United Sates, just as the holidays arrive.

Nearly 42 million people nationwide rely on SNAP, including 1.4 Michiganders. Michigan State University food economist David Ortega says holiday staples are already increasing in price.

“W holesale prices for turkeys are forecasted to be about 40 % higher than last year,” Ortega said. “ But it’s important to keep in mind that the actual price that we pay for at retail is forecasted to be significantly lower than that.”

Ortega says many retailers use turkeys as a loss leader, pricing them at or even below cost to get shoppers in the door. He notes the good news is that