FOOD Report food & grocery shortages / price increases here: 2023 Edition

[bracketquant]

They are trying to sell us air.

In my followup to an earlier thread, Cheez-It Puff'd have made it to my local WalMart, $3.98 for a 5.75 oz bag. That's $10.96/lb. Regular Cheez-Its are $3.68 for a 12.4 oz box, or $4.75/lb.

With a goal of puffed up profits, yes, they really think the consumer is that dumb.

 

[hd5574]

You can buy the inexpensive...path/garden solar lights at Walmart. .put in the sunlight during the day in a large container to charge....then bring in during the evening/night and have light. ..safer than candles...most likely cheaper to

 

[nomifyle]

I have 400 tea light candles. And a holder to put one in. Go figure. I use to buy to tall cheap candles in glass jars at DT. I have several. I have hurricane lamps and some oil to go in them and some keroscene too. Not a years worth, but some.

 

[Terrwyn]

I buy Orgain protein drink by the case usually 4 at a time. When I started several years ago they we around 23.00 a case. Price varied some depending on where I ordered. My last order this week was 32.95 just about everywhere. Vitacost had a discount code though so bought it there. That is the kind of inflation I'm running into on everything almost. The hell it's 4.9%.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

You can buy the inexpensive...path/garden solar lights at Walmart. .put in the sunlight during the day in a large container to charge....then bring in during the evening/night and have light. ..safer than candles...most likely cheaper too.

Those do work well as long as the batteries hold up. We bought some pretty expensive ones at Sam's a few years ago. They were really bright, too, when brought inside at night. They lasted one summer, then the batteries started not holding a solar charge. Cary ordered replacement batteries for them. When they came, only 3 of the new batteries worked. Had to order more, but they didn't hold a charge very long. We are stocked with hundreds of candles of differing varieties and have gallons of lamp oil for our oil lamps. Much more dependable IMHO.

 

[John Deere Girl]

We live in the Midwest, so we deal with bad storms and snow and ice from time to time. We still have little ones, so I use LED lanterns if our power is out. We do have oil lamps and fuel for them, but for now, the lanterns are a safer option.

 

[nehimama]

Boiler onions; are you familiar with them?


For me, they are a godsend. As I'm only cooking for one, I never use up a standard-sized onion before it goes bad. I bought a bag of these over 3 months ago, have used about half, and the remainder have yet to sprout or begin to rot. No more wasting money on onions that I can't use up!

They are called boiler onions because you cut a thin slice off the root end, put them in boiling water for a few moments, then in an ice water bath. Once cool enough to handle, you pinch the top, and the skin slides right off. Then cut them up, and use them in your recipes.

Now, if those slippery little devils won't hold still while you slice and dice: corn cob holders to the rescue!

 

[WalknTrot]

Those do work well as long as the batteries hold up. We bought some pretty expensive ones at Sam's a few years ago. They were really bright, too, when brought inside at night. They lasted one summer, then the batteries started not holding a solar charge. Cary ordered replacement batteries for them. When they came, only 3 of the new batteries worked. Had to order more, but they didn't hold a charge very long. We are stocked with hundreds of candles of differing varieties and have gallons of lamp oil for our oil lamps. Much more dependable IMHO.

Yup. One of my crazy hobbies is restoring antique oil lamps, so that's the route I take for winter light. Store plenty of fuel and parts - not a problem there. Oil lamps/lanterns are much safer, steady/flicker-free, with more useful light and brighter than candles. A reflector or a shade is a huge improvement for any oil lamp. A shade focuses light down (on a hanging lamp or table lamp) and a reflector (same concept as a mirror behind a candle) captures and reflects/intensifies/focuses to light directionally. Reflectors are especially good with a wall lamp, or a reading lamp. Gads..I have a size 14 Kosmos burner shelf lamp with a well polished brass reflector, and when it sits on the table to light my kitchen in the morning, it's almost too much - like looking at a car headlight.

Of course, here in the "summer" 6 months, there's hardly a need for lighting in the house. Different story in winter.....it's dark at 4:30pm and not light in the morning 'til 8:00am.

(Haha...I know...we've wandered way off topic.. )

 

[Voortrekker]

This post needs photos, vertical is another word for grow towers. If you made it work I need confirmation to validate my theory. (If you could, please) for aintitfunny, cybergremlins got me this morning.

 

[SAPPHIRE]

Nehimama: I too cook for one now and love those white or red boiler onions.......long lasting, tasty, and no leftovers...

 

[parsonswife]

Boiler onions; are you familiar with them?
View attachment 413101

For me, they are a godsend. As I'm only cooking for one, I never use up a standard-sized onion before it goes bad. I bought a bag of these over 3 months ago, have used about half, and the remainder have yet to sprout or begin to rot. No more wasting money on onions that I can't use up!

They are called boiler onions because you cut a thin slice off the root end, put them in boiling water for a few moments, then in an ice water bath. Once cool enough to handle, you pinch the top, and the skin slides right off. Then cut them up, and use them in your recipes.

Now, if those slippery little devils won't hold still while you slice and dice: corn cob holders to the rescue!

View attachment 413102Ithank you for the tip! Hate cooking for 2 now (not the 7 i used to cook for) and potatoes and onions sprout before i

Thank you I had just about given up on buying onions! Used to cook for 7 now for 2....been having trouble getting motivated to cook at all.

 

[momma_soapmaker]

Just a heads up, although we already know it's bad. Beef prices are about to get a lot worse.

My best friend's brother has cows, and was told this weekend at the sale barn that beef prices are going up so high, no one will be able to afford them. By the time they get a calf fattened up to sell, they're going to be outrageous.

We contacted the guy we use for beef, and ordered a cow for the freezer. It's supposed to be ready in July. Some people have had appointments at the butcher for over a year, so we're just hoping we can actually get it.

I didn't ask how much we're talking per pound hanging weight.

This is south central Arkansas, FWIW.

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

This post needs photos, vertical is another word for grow towers. If you made it work I need confirmation to validate my theory. (If you could, please) for aintitfunny, cybergremlins got me this morning.

I use homemade vertical structures to hold my tomatoes up. I used a roll of concrete reinforcement wire. Cut it into five foot pieces and used pliers to hook the two sides if the wire, to make a stout cylinder that I then grow the tomatoes inside.

i got about 10 wire “towers” out of one 50 foot by 5 foot roll of concrete reinforcement wire.

 

[moldy]

Went to pick up sale items at Safeway. Mind you, the sale ad came out today. No milk that is on sale, no cheese, and only 1 package of strawberries.

 

[Old Gray Mare]

This might be a dot. The last two Safeway flyers here had no "Pantry" section. On select items there are lower prices at the drug store chain, granted they maybe and probably are loss leaders.

 

[nomifyle]

speaking of onions, I can't use a whole one at a time, so I cut it in half, slice it and then put the other half in the freezer. When I need the frozen half its not hard to slice it either and toss it in the pan.

 

[nomifyle]

This might be a dot. The last two Safeway flyers here had no "Pantry" section. On select items there are lower prices at the drug store chain, granted they maybe and probably are loss leaders.

I've found this in the only flyer that I get, maybe in the whole flyer there might be one canned good, and on a rare time two and thats it.

 

[Old Gray Mare]

I've found this in the only flyer that I get, maybe in the whole flyer there might be one canned good, and on a rare time two and thats it.

Looks like dot?

 

[Babs]

I use homemade vertical structures to hold my tomatoes up. I used a roll of concrete reinforcement wire. Cut it into five foot pieces and used pliers to hook the two sides if the wire, to make a stout cylinder that I then grow the tomatoes inside.

i got about 10 wire “towers” out of one 50 foot by 5 foot roll of concrete reinforcement wire.

That's what I use also! They'll last forever!

 

[nomifyle]

Looks like dot?

Its been going on for a good while.

 

[ainitfunny]

Boiler onions; are you familiar with them?
View attachment 413101

For me, they are a godsend. As I'm only cooking for one, I never use up a standard-sized onion before it goes bad. I bought a bag of these over 3 months ago, have used about half, and the remainder have yet to sprout or begin to rot. No more wasting money on onions that I can't use up!

They are called boiler onions because you cut a thin slice off the root end, put them in boiling water for a few moments, then in an ice water bath. Once cool enough to handle, you pinch the top, and the skin slides right off. Then cut them up, and use them in your recipes.

Now, if those slippery little devils won't hold still while you slice and dice: corn cob holders to the rescue!

View attachment 413102

I can't find boiler onions at kroger.
I wish you were my neighbor you have so many good ideas!

 

[nehimama]

As you may know, custard is traditionally baked in the oven. My stove is electric, so I opt for the crockpot to prepare this delicious treat. Saves a LOT on electrical usage My 5-quart cooker can fit seven of those cute li'l Oui yogurt jars. Perfect little 5 oz single servings.

 

[psychgirl]

I can't find boiler onions at kroger.
I wish you were my neighbor you have so many good ideas!

You know what? I saw those at Kroger but never even noticed them until this thread!
They’re over by the specialty items like shallots and pearl onions.
At least in our store.

I still had a hard time seeing them they’re kind of tucked away in a small space.

 

[psychgirl]

Just a heads up, although we already know it's bad. Beef prices are about to get a lot worse.

My best friend's brother has cows, and was told this weekend at the sale barn that beef prices are going up so high, no one will be able to afford them. By the time they get a calf fattened up to sell, they're going to be outrageous.

We contacted the guy we use for beef, and ordered a cow for the freezer. It's supposed to be ready in July. Some people have had appointments at the butcher for over a year, so we're just hoping we can actually get it.

I didn't ask how much we're talking per pound hanging weight.

This is south central Arkansas, FWIW.

….,I also heard this from a friend of mine in Texas. She’s a Facebook friend (long story how we know each other but it’s from another forum group)

Anyway, they have a ranch, San Antonio, large, sprawling, wealthy type set up with a vineyard and heliport.

She is hearing scary things from all the beef people down there.
She said it’s more the fault of transportation and costs of feed, as well as beef going sky high in general.

She said last summer farmers were lined up selling off their cows because they cannot afford them anymore.

She said it was the saddest thing, they’re all just heartbroken giving up their cows.

 

[nomifyle]

I have a cousin that lives outside of San Antonio that has raised beef for years. I talked to her last night and she said she may sell all but three because of the cost of feed.

 

[coalcracker]

Currently $9 at Wal-Mart. These cans have a “best used by” date that is five years out. I personally find the quality/taste acceptable, though not brag-worthy.

Here is the question: What value do you think these cans might have in 2028?

A bunch of our members here are telling us what is coming down the pike. Thank you to all for the heads-up concerning beef.

Alexa, add Keystone Beef to the shopping list (though I personally don’t use that tech, I still like the sound of that sentence).

 

[WalknTrot]

I prefer the smaller cans of Keystone (hold about a lb. instead of these ~ '2lb." cans) , but they have been hard to come by.
And yes...Walmart's price for their Keystone canned beef/meat is a comparative steal. The big cans will do.

 

[psychgirl]

Similar price as Kroger. I really like the product but it’s just so $$! I bought a small can to try out last year.

Our Indiana Kroger does not have the full line , just two sizes. I’m not familiar enough to really know about it.
Also has the chicken

 

[psychgirl]

I have a cousin that lives outside of San Antonio that has raised beef for years. I talked to her last night and she said she may sell all but three because of the cost of feed.

More confirmation.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

It's time to get that canner up and running. Buying beef right now is as low of a price as it's going to be. Buy now and get to canning it. I don't buy Keystone anymore when it's so much cheaper to can it myself. We're also planning to eat more chicken and pork. Pork is still really cheap here in my area of Mississippi. Chicken prices aren't bad, either.

 

[WalknTrot]

It's time to get that canner up and running. Buying beef right now is as low of a price as it's going to be. Buy now and get to canning it. I don't buy Keystone anymore when it's so much cheaper to can it myself. We're also planning to eat more chicken and pork. Pork is still really cheap here in my area of Mississippi. Chicken prices aren't bad, either.

I've canned plenty of my own for sure, but really, when you look at the Keystone, it takes a good 2 lbs of raw beef roast to make 28 oz of canned meat at $9.98/can. That's ~5.00/lb. for the beef roast, plus no work, no jars, no hot kitchen and a good seal. Not bad.

Now I do think home canning up pork might be a significantly cheaper option than buying the cans, because pork roast is pretty cheap from the store. Canned pork makes good sandwiches, hash, hotdishes, beans and (Brunswick!) stew.

 

[momma_soapmaker]

We thankfully have a local source for pork, and know the owners well. They use pork like most of us use beef, even making patties out of it for burgers.

 

[momma_soapmaker]

I've canned plenty of my own for sure, but really, when you look at the Keystone, it takes a good 2 lbs of beef roast to make 28 oz of canned meat at $9.98/can. That's ~5.00/lb. for the beef roast, plus no work, no jars, no hot kitchen and a good seal.
Not bad.

Whatever anyone feels led to do is better than nothing. Everybody we talk to mentions grocery prices, and it's just going to get worse from the looks of it.

I always think about Ferfal when Argentina collapsed. He asked his wife later what she would have done differently, and she said, "Buy more food."

 

[SouthernBreeze]

I've canned plenty of my own for sure, but really, when you look at the Keystone, it takes a good 2 lbs of beef roast to make 28 oz of canned meat at $9.98/can. That's ~5.00/lb. for the beef roast, plus no work, no jars, no hot kitchen and a good seal. Not bad.

Now I do think home canning up pork might be a cheaper option than buying the cans, because pork roast is pretty cheap from the store.

Oh, I know. I've got cases of Keystone ground beef and chunks of beef in storage. It's just so expensive for us to buy now from what it was back when we stocked up. That's why I'm buying ground beef and canning it myself from now on. Plus, I'm saving all my freezer space for all the cheaper pork and chicken.

 

[WalknTrot]

Oh, I know. I've got cases of Keystone ground beef and chunks of beef in storage. It's just so expensive for us to buy now from what it was back when we stocked up. That's why I'm buying ground beef and canning it myself from now on. Plus, I'm saving all my freezer space for all the cheaper pork and chicken.

Yup. If you are talkin' burger, it is cheaper to do at home if you can get your burger for ~$3.49-3.99lb. Also, for some reason, Keystone burger is harder to find.

 

[paxsim2]

The 28 oz can of Keystone beef is 21.99 shipped at my Walmart on Oklahoma. 18.00 from a different seller on there shipped. Only chicken is available in store.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

Yup. If you are talkin' burger, it is cheaper to do at home if you can get your burger for ~$3.49-3.99lb. Also, for some reason, Keystone burger is harder to find.

Yeah, just burger. It's not over $4 lb here, yet.

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

I've found this in the only flyer that I get, maybe in the whole flyer there might be one canned good, and on a rare time two and thats it.

Nomifile,

I know you get senior commodoties.

Are you seeing more fresh food and less canned goods there?

I sometimes get commodoties via the Memphis Food Bank mobile pantry distribution service.

For awhile we were given very little or else no canned goods. Nor were we receiving long term storage items like pasta, rice, or beans. No milk, eggs or butter either.

What we were getting was fresh produce. Lots and lots of fresh produce. Carrots, lettuce, cabbage, potatoes (white and sweet potatoes), oranges, grapefruit, even strawberries. Triple helpings, it seemed to me, on the oranges, grapefruit, potatoes and carrots.


But in the last few weeks, that has suddenly changed.

Now we are getting canned goods again: canned black beans, Spaghetti-Os with beef, canned pasta sauce, canned potatoes, canned carrots, green beans, and succotash (diced carrots with green peas).

In addition, we have been given dry Navy Beans, white rice, and dried pasta.



I have wondered if they are purposefully distributing food storage prep type items to us right now, just in case things go badly in the next few weeks or months.

 

[nomifyle]

Nomifile,

I know you get senior commodoties.

Are you seeing more fresh food and less canned goods there?

I sometimes get commodoties via the Memphis Food Bank mobile pantry distribution service.

For awhile we were given very little or else no canned goods. Nor were we receiving long term storage items like pasta, rice, or beans. No milk, eggs or butter either.

What we were getting was fresh produce. Lots and lots of fresh produce. Carrots, lettuce, cabbage, potatoes (white and sweet potatoes), oranges, grapefruit, even strawberries. Triple helpings, it seemed to me, on the oranges, grapefruit, potatoes and carrots.


But in the last few weeks, that has suddenly changed.

Now we are getting canned goods again: canned black beans, Spaghetti-Os with beef, canned pasta sauce, canned potatoes, canned carrots, green beans, and succotash (diced carrots with green peas).

In addition, we have been given dry Navy Beans, white rice, and dried pasta.



I have wondered if they are purposefully distributing food storage prep type items to us right now, just in case things go badly in the next few weeks or months.

We have been getting some canned goods all along, amount seems to vary. We occasionally get some fresh foods, like oranges and potatoes. We use to get two boxed milks but have only been getting one for a while now. We've gotten butter in the past but its been awhile since that. We usually get a one pound bag of red beans, rarely anything else. And a one pound bag of rice, we use to get two pound bags of each. They use bulk things for filler, like boxed cereal (the goats like that). Last time we got two boxes of granola bars. DH eats some of that, I've changed what I eat so I no longer eat them. Most times we get a package of chicken, usually leg quarters, and on a rare occasion we get chicken legs. We are not big chicken eaters.

Bottom line is I'm greatful for what ever we get, even if its things we don't or won't eat. Your commodities sound alot better than what we get. I'm happy for you for what you get. You certainly make the most of it. God Bless.

 

[nehimama]

I prefer the smaller cans of Keystone (hold about a lb. instead of these ~ '2lb." cans) , but they have been hard to come by.
And yes...Walmart's price for their Keystone canned beef/meat is a comparative steal. The big cans will do.

I've found the 14.5 oz cans (case of 12) oz under $100.00. I think it was on Ebay, and the seller is Safe Castle - and free shipping. Ground beef and turkey. and, yes, seller is Safe Castle. (I just checked.)