Shortages And Higher Prices Causing Grocery Shopping Headaches
Newsy
CEOs of two major chains warned it will be weeks or even months before things settle out.
Lots of us have noticed empty shelves at our local grocery store. Across America, shoppers are seeing grocery shelves with some empty spots.
Experts blame supply chain issues, lack of workers due to Omicron and severe weather. But it's not just about empty shelves. Food costs are also on the rise.
According to Kevin Sylwester, professor of economics at Southern Illinois University, before the pandemic, food prices increased on average 1.5.% each year. Food prices increased 6% from November 2020 to November 2021. "This is going to one extent or another last for as long as this pandemic lasts ... expect more of the same. If the COVID problem dissipates, these problems should begin to correct themselves," said Sylwester.