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© American Flavors blogspot
Consumers, have you noticed the record high prices for meat and other staple items in the grocery store? All families continue to pay more of their disposable income for food products, putting hardship and difficulty on personal budgets. A larger portion of the family budget now pays for food costs leaving less money for personal use, college savings, and vacations.

Smart shoppers, carefully observing prices and evaluating portions, noticed several changes at the markets the past few years. Many food products and beverages now come in smaller sizes as manufacturers remain reluctant to raise prices. In addition, for the past several years, restaurants have lessened portion sizes rather than raise prices.

Although the U.S. government reportedly said food prices rose 6.4 percent since 2011, ground beef rose 16.8 percent, chicken rose 18.4 percent, and bacon rose a whopping 22.4 percent. The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects that beef will continue rising another 3-4 percent in 2014. In an economy struggling with high unemployment and prolonged recession, it truly remains appalling how prices can increase so much.

The government likes to blame the weather and drought for the rising prices. In addition, world demand for American products, especially China, increases the prices of these foods. Sometimes farmers will also state that their production costs have risen, and they must pass them to the consumer.

As most working people know, wages have only risen about 1 percent this past year. Sadly, many people report not receiving any pay increase on their job. When food prices increase tremendously and wages do not keep up with it, wage earners lower their quality of life since they have less money to save or spend on other products or activities.

Rather than feeling hopeless and in despair, what can local residents do to lower their food bill? Instead of searching for government financial assistance, planting a garden remains one excellent solution! Many excellent fruits and vegetables can grow well in East Texas, and gardening can bring a bountiful harvest for all.

Planting a garden remains an inexpensive activity, costing minimal funds for seeds and fertilizers. Build the soil with compost and lime, and plant vegetable varieties that have shown excellent adaptation. A warm, rewarding feeling enters into a gardener's soul when he or she harvests the produce from their own plants.

A garden not only feeds families and brings beauty in the world, but also promotes independence from high food prices and exploitation. Although gardeners cannot raise all food products they wish to consume, a bountiful harvest of fresh vegetables and delicious fruits can supply a family with many healthy and gustatory delights. No family should ever suffer hunger pains and financial hardship because of soaring food costs and uncontrollable market forces.

Residents, become an active point and part of the solution! Plant a large garden in March to have an overwhelming harvest for family and friends.