The struggles of food producers appear in the queue

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KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (WATE) – Chances are you’ve noticed that trips to the grocery store are costing you a little more. This is because grocery stores large and small are feeling the pinch as supply shrinks and prices continue to rise.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, home food prices (food purchases in grocery stores or supermarkets) rose 0.6% from June to July.

In 2021 so far compared to 2020, home food prices have increased 1.9% and take out food prices have increased 3.1%. The consumer price index for all foods increased an average of 2.4%.

“There is no indication that anything will get better anytime soon,” said John Harrison, owner of Sweetwater Valley Farms.

He says supply chain issues are largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His farm is still trying to bounce back from last year.

“We struggled to complete the production we needed last year and then this year we struggled to pack, prepare and deliver the items. So we have to bypass a lot of customers on the products they’re looking for just because we haven’t been able to, ”Harrison said.

When farms can’t deliver, grocery stores end up running out of supplies, pushing up prices.

As the holidays approach, Harrison recommends shopping early and being prepared for stockouts.

“I think the companies are just saying we’re going to raise our prices and do what we need to do with this shortage. Do not wait the last minute. It’s just a struggle at every level, ”Harrison said.

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