Take their money and put them in cages.

Soaring food costs in the U.S. and growing unrest

A strange phenomenon happened today at the grocery store checkout. I heard grumblings. Around me, there were several people complaining in strained voices about prices. The mutual moaning became a water cooler conversation of sorts.

I nodded knowingly as I gazed into their near-tear-filled eyes. I’ve noticed that many of the prices on shelves have inflated above pre-pandemic prices anywhere from $ 0.25, on cheaper items, up to $4.00 on more expensive items such as nuts and meats.

“Well, just skip the cashews. They’re a luxury item anyway.”

Try talking nut prices with anyone on Paleo.

My brain darted to my late 20s in Chicago. 2003. I used to survive independently with $40 worth of groceries per week. Sure, my diet consisted mainly of chicken breasts, peanut butter, tuna, veggies, fruits, and a lot of ramen. I brewed coffee at home and splurged on Starbucks on 12-hour shifts as a trainer at a now-defunct national gym chain. No joke.

Fast forward to my 40s. When that budget increased to $80 pre-pandemic, I wasn’t shocked. Later, for about $120, I could feed myself, my wife at the time, and our son.

This week’s total was $130, and that was squeezing by. It’s only kiddo and I now, mostly. I live in a cheaper area of the country. Granted, I spent $9 on a large bottle of kombucha, and I bought fun things like BBQ…