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Price of eggs rising to an all-time high

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports grocery prices in July had their largest price increase since 1979. That’s a 41-year record high, and there’s one grocery item, in particular, that’s especially costly.

Supply chain disruptions continue to send food prices soaring. But of all the items in the fridge costing us all more these days, you probably didn’t expect eggs to continue to be high on the list.

Last month, Action News Jax told you all about common food items on your grocery list becoming more expensive. Eggs were included because meat prices were soaring.

“Anything that’s fresh produce, meats, poultry, anything like that. Especially things that are fresh or organic, even alcohol that’s gone up. Anything that’s imported,” says Zachary Faulconer.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said meat prices were up due to a May outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza. Otherwise known as bird flu, the sickness was killing many chickens and causing an inconsistent supply of eggs.

“Dog food has gone up, milk has gone up, eggs have gone up, the price of meat and the availability of chicken. You can barely find chicken anywhere anymore without it breaking the bank,” says Bailey Barker.

When the availability of a product drops while demand increases, you’ll experience what we all are right now, price hikes. Among other groceries, eggs have had their biggest price increase, going up 4.3% just last month and 38% just this year.

“It’s definitely affected my pockets a lot,” says Barker.

“Even things like beer have gone up a few dollars per case,” says Faulconer.

By this fall, the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts a dozen eggs will cost up to $1.70, while the average price for a dozen eggs right now is $1.77 nationwide. In Florida, it’s $1.65.

Other items on your grocery list increasing over the last month include potatoes jumping by 4.6%, butter up 26%, and coffee rising by 20%.

There is some positive news, however. According to Market Watch, a website specializing in market data, meat and veal went down in price from June to July, but they’re still 3.4% higher than last year in June and July.

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