Team 4: Story 1: Inflation the Silent Killer 

 

Section 1: History/Background

​It all starts with a small moment in the grocery aisle. Someone picks up a carton of eggs, checks the price, and most of the time puts it back on the shelf. Grocery Shopping used to be a quick trip for things to cook for dinner, but now it is like trying to solve math problems. Comparing brands, rethinking list. and searching for cheaper options. Once upon a time, trips ended with full carts, but now they end in second-guessing. Moments like this are happening every day as rising food prices force people to make small decisions about what they can afford. As grocery prices are continuing to rise, people are not just spending more money. They are quietly changing what they eat, replacing certain foods and redesigning their diets around their budgets. Over the past several years, food prices in the United States have increased significantly. In the past five years, research shows that grocery prices have risen 28% to 32% (Pew Research). To be able to understand why this is the case, you must look back at the change in food costs over time. The COVID-19 pandemic was a huge deal that changed a good bit of how the economy worked. Before COVID-19, food prices were close to being stable. They increased only very slightly each year. At the time, grocery shopping was more predictable; you went in with a plan and did not have to adjust it. The Stability of that has changed dramatically. Rising grocery prices are something many shoppers are noticing today, especially in local grocery stores.

​This inflation has not changed overnight; it was a buildup of many large issues. As mentioned earlier, the COVID-19 pandemic was a huge factor that changed. a lot of the food system. Since this disease was harming people and spreading rapidly, many factories shut down or slowed down, transportation slowed down, and many people left their jobs. With the shortages this caused, it made it harder to keep stores stocked. But on the other hand, the need for groceries went up as people were eating at home. Things began to be balanced; the supply started to be way. too low for the demand, which caused prices to rise (American University). Although the pandemic has eased, prices have not returned to normal. Across industries, the cost of products is still high, meaning you must pay more. for products because it costs industries more to make or get them. A huge problem. We are facing the price of gas right now. The prices of gas are roughly $4 per gallon. This makes it cost so much more to ship goods across the country. This extra cost, it affects the price of nearly every item in the grocery store. When production encounters more cost than normal, it must go down to the consumer level. Farmers and manufacturers also have higher costs now with labor, fertilizers, and equipment. That explains why basic items like bread, milk, or eggs have become more expensive as well (Pew Research Center).

National issues aren’t the only thing that affects these prices. Global factors, such as weather, can limit Supply as it reduces crop production. The United States relies on trade for a lot of goods. So, when we are having conflict globally, prices also tend to increase. In the moment, it may seem like a faraway issue, but this too can affect what appears on the shelves at the grocery store. This shows that inflation is a part of a larger global system (U.S. Department of Agriculture). Another thing to look at is how food prices have fluctuated in the past when there were economic problems. Throughout the years, inflation has happened, but it has never been the way it is now. In the early 2000s or after the 2008 financial crisis, is when there was a situation of rising prices. They were not close to being on the same scale or increasing at the speed things are increasing now. The factors that make today’s inflation different are how many things are happening at once, like global problems, high production costs, and the demand for items being higher. As a result, people see the change of grocery prices as higher and much more sudden compared to the past (Pew Research Center). In the past, people have changed their spending in other areas before. changing what they ate. Since food prices have changed so much, groceries have become one of the first things to change. Food is always going to be essential, but people approach it more cautiously. Used to people would just buy what they needed, but now it is strategic. Comparing prices, switching products, and making trade-offs. This shows how inflation has reshaped everyday life beyond just the cost of groceries.

Goes into daily decision-making. As a result, grocery stores have started changing what they stock. When searching for certain items, they have become harder to find or replaced altogether by cheaper options. Foods that used to always be there, such as in fresh produce or better-quality brands, have become too expensive for people or less likely to be stocked due to there being less supply. To deal with the price increase or items not being available, people have switched from fresh produce to options that last longer. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats tend to cost more and spoil way faster. However, frozen meals, canned items, and boxed food cost less and last longer. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, fresh fruits can cost significantly more per cup compared to canned alternatives (U.S. Department of Agriculture). It makes a huge difference for people trying to stretch their money. It is not just about money, though; this is also at this point about nutrition. Cheaper foods that are processed often contain more sugar, sodium, or Preservatives. Studies show that rising food costs are linked to worse diet and increased health risk over time (Darmon and Drewnowski). This begins to show that inflation is also a public health concern. Another important factor is food insecurity. Studies show that between 20% and 50% of college students experience food insecurity, which is higher than the national average (Communique). Students and families are not only buying less but also shipping meals altogether.Food insecurity affects groups very differently. With a lower income families, they are more likely to feel the effects of rising food prices. A lot of what they make goes towards their basic needs. Since they have fewer options. When prices increase more than those of others who have higher incomes, it can lead to long-term poor diet quality and health. This shows that inflation does. not always impact everyone equally, and for some it creates long-term. term effects.

Section 2: Our Angle

​While the cost of food being high is important, the real story is what’s happening at home and in carts. People are quietly redesigning their diets. to deal with these changes. Substitution is a big way that reflects this. Instead of cutting items. out completely, they are being replaced with cheaper alternatives. Research shows that when prices rise, people tend to go towards cheaper options that tend to be more calorie-dense (Darmon and Drewnowski). Another way that people are quietly redesigning their diets is by simplifying meals. Instead of cooking full meals, many people are choosing meals with fewer components. This saves people money, but it reduces the variety within someone's diet. Eventually, people will start to not get the nutrients they need meals.

Recently, there has been a trend where people do not plan meals based on what they want. They plan them based on coupons. This is a smart tactic when wanting a full meal but also wanting to spend the least amount of money. However, many people are starting to lose their preferences since they are only worried about cost. People also just cut out items entirely. Name-brand products, snacks, and even specialty items are usually the first to disappear. However, some People need the lactose-free, organic, or gluten-free options, which cost way more and create more problems for those that need them. For example, someone who is lactose Intolerant may rely on almond milk, even though it costs more than regular milk. They must always work that into their budget. This shows how inflation can hit certain groups harder than others. Diets are also being redesigned through repetition. People are continuing to buy the same meals each week because they know exactly how much they are going to cost. When people do this, uncertainty goes away, and budgeting for trips becomes a lot easier, but it takes away variety. This is a reliable way to stay within budget, but then people are eating the same meals over and over again, which can become boring.People are also starting to practice portion control. This does not mean they are eating different foods; they are just eating less. Reports on food insecurity show that people often reduce portion sizes or ship. meals entirely (Communique). This can also be because people are trying to avoid throwing away food. Before prices were like they are, if something went bad in the fridge, it wasn’t a huge deal. deal. Now, when food is wasted, that is money wasted. To fix that! People are eating less, planning meals, or saving leftovers.Another change is brand switching. Instead of buying the well-known name-brand items, people are choosing the generic or store-branded items. Along with that, people have started buying in bulk. Stores like Costco or Sam’s Club, in the end, may be cheaper. If you buy all non-perishable items there and then go to a store that has coupons on meats or fruits, then you would have items that would last you longer and, in the end, could cost less money.

Buying in bulk helps people as they are no longer just shopping for the current week. They are planning way ahead for the unexpected cost to rise. This means choosing foods that are for multiple meals or items that have a long Shelf life. Things like pasta, frozen vegetables, or rice last a while and can also be used for multiple meals, which makes them ideal for people on a budget. This shows people are trying to stay ahead of prices and be much more intentional with what they get. This shift in eating habits shows how people view food overall. Food has become something that has to be managed carefully, not Something that can just be enjoyed. Since people do not just buy what they prefer anymore and must think about prices before it matches turns into something more stressful. Over time, when people are dealing with this, their mindset may start to change to this being a responsibility. However, these changes are not always visible. You never know what someone is doing behind closed doors. They may appear to be eating normally, but they are shipping meals, limiting grocery trips, or not eating out anymore. Since these changes are often private, the full impact of inflation gets overlooked. These adjustments are happening every day and change how people go about life in a major way. Pricing of items has more control over life than people realize. Since food is something people deal with multiple times a day, even small increases add up. Inflation will never be an issue. People can just brush off; people deal with this every day. Whether shopping or just preparing meals, they are constantly thinking about the cost, and over time, these repeated thoughts and decisions shape people in a significant way.

 

Photo Gallery

Beverages

1. A basic grocery item that most households buy regularly.   
2. Azalea Hall wrapped up construction and began housing students for the Fall of 2025.
3. A popular breakfast drink found in many grocery carts.

Canned & Shelf-Stable Foods

1. Inexpensive vegetables that can be stored for long periods.   
2. A canned pasta meal known for its convenience.
3. A long-lasting alternative to fresh fruit.

Pantry Staples

7. A common pantry staple used for sandwiches and snacks.   
8. Often paired with peanut butter for quick meals.
9. A basic ingredient used for baking, cooking, and often for drinks.

Frozen & Packaged Foods

10. A cost effective boxed meal kit designed for quick dinners.   
11. A convenient meal option that requires little preparation.
12. A ready-to-cook family dinner commonly found in freezer aisles.

Snacks

13. One of the most common snack foods purchased in grocery stores.   
14. Cheese crackers often bought as a snack.
15. A low-cost food item commonly purchased by students.

Household Essentials

16. A kitchen essential used for cooking and food storage.   
17. Disposable plates are often bought for convenience at meals or events.
18. A common household necessity used daily for cleaning, cooking, and spills.

Section 3: Personal Impact

For college students, the rise in prices creates a new kind of stress. Students are already trying to balance rent and other expenses, so adding groceries is another major thing. Studies show that food insecurity among college students is significantly higher than the national average, affecting up to half of students (Communique). Grocery shopping now feels overwhelming to students. They do not buy what they want; they tend to think about what’s most affordable. College students buy foods like ramen, pasta, and canned goods. These are very convenient options, but not the healthiest. Students skip meals or eat smaller portions so their food will last longer. Others rely on on-campus resources. Here at Mississippi State, there is something called Bully's Pantry. They offer free food and essentials for students in need..

However, students aren’t the only ones affected; families are too. When you are feeding multiple people, your grocery bills increase. Research shows that rising food costs are causing families to shift towards cheaper, less nutritious diets, which can lead to long-term health issues (American University). They are also changing where they shop. Instead of the usual way to buy everything from one store, they are going between multiple stores to get the best deals. This reduces cost but takes much more effort. Another important factor is how this is affecting routines and people’s social lives. When people are trying to save money, small social activities become some of the first to be cut since they are non-essential. But they play big roles in people’s lives by helping them relax. Later down the road, people may feel isolated and become depressed. This shows that it is not only stress and health risk. The rise in inflation is changing everything about people’s lives.

When someone goes into my grocery store and realizes they cannot afford the food that they originally wanted, they become stressed or embarrassed. It can feel very overwhelming when trying to provide good-quality food for themselves or their families. When food can’t be afforded, and you are forced to get the processed alternatives, there becomes concern about your health. This may be diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. They will never be immediate effects, but they could happen over time. There is also an educational impact, mainly for college students. When people are worrying about affording food or their next meal, Schoolwork becomes the last worry. If a student works to afford their obligations, they may choose to pick up extra shifts at work and Skip class. This then leads to academic performance going down. This can follow into adulthood, and patterns can continue even if prices stabilize. Another thing that is overlooked is how inflation can affect independence. When in college, you are learning how to live on your own and manage money for the first time. With prices being higher, this process is more difficult since budgets are already limited. When students still must call up mom or dad for help with food, it makes them feel not fully independent. In some cases, if students do not have help, they may have to choose between food and transportation. In the end, there are many factors that inflation has affected. It affects. Students, families, and individuals on a much deeper level than people can see. Inflation is shaping everyday life, and there isn't much that can be done about it.

 

Email the team at geh177@msstate.edu with any questions

View our Sources