The Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Marketbasket survey that tracks the average price of 16 food items used to prepare one or more meals rang in at $51.57. The survey total increased less than 3 percent from the same survey conducted this past spring.
“Shoppers are seeing food prices remain fairly stable in the grocery store,” said Amy Eckelberg, spokeswoman of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.
The survey revealed price increases for nine of the 16 items, with bacon and ground chuck seeing the largest jump from this past spring.
Bacon continues to be a popular food item across the United States and rose $0.56 since spring with a one-pound package averaging $5.02.
Ground chuck saw a $0.48 increase since the same survey in the spring.
Two items saw no change in price – shredded mild cheddar and sirloin tip roast.
Survey shoppers reported price decreases for five of the 16 items, with eggs and milk seeing the greatest declines.
This past spring, a gallon of whole milk averaged $2.96. This fall, shoppers reported an average cost of $2.63 per gallon, an 11 percent decrease.
As the dairy state is seeing lower prices on both the farm and retail side, consumers and farmers alike are taking to the ‘10 Gallon Challenge’ to provide for those in need and help drive demand for dairy.
“Milk is a nutrient rich food, but unfortunately it is rarely donated,” said Communications Manager at Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin Kris Tazelaar. “It is important for anyone looking to make a donation to first reach out to your local food pantry to see if they are able to accept perishable goods.”
Anyone wishing to participate in the ‘10 Gallon Challenge’ should contact their local food pantry to inquire whether they can accept perishable goods. Participants may also want to ask about preferred milk container size and type that is needed most.
FARMER’S SHARE IS JUST $7.63
During the last three decades, retail grocery prices have gradually increased while the share of the average dollar spent on food that farm families receive has decreased. In the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures in grocery stores and restaurants. Since then that figure has decreased steadily and is now 14.8 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Using that percentage across the board, the farmer’s share of this quarter’s $51.57 grocery bill is $7.63.
The USDA says Americans will spend approximately 10 percent of their disposable annual income on food, the lowest average in the world.
The Marketbasket survey is a quarterly look at Wisconsin food price trends in relation to changing farm prices, weather and wholesale and retail food marketing. Members of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau collected price samples of 16 basic food items in communities across Wisconsin during September.
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