Legislators Making Food Even More Expensive!
Most Californians are already struggling to fuel their cars, keep the lights on and put food on their family table.
As gasoline and diesel prices skyrocket and energy prices continue their meteoric climb, you would think policymakers might be a little concerned about the impact on food and other basic necessities. Apparently … think again!
Two bills currently making their first appearance in upcoming policy hearings, AB 2447 (Bauer-Kahan) and AB 2646 (Krell) would add to the ever-increasing regulatory burdens on food production in the Golden State.
AB 2447 mandates unscientific nitrogen fertilizer limits, stifling affordable food production while disregarding the state’s existing farm water quality regulatory structure.
AB 2646 mandates a new sector-specific minimum wage hike for some farmworkers, resulting in reduced production, fewer jobs and higher food costs.
The Already High Cost of Food In California
California, the nation’s leading agricultural producer, should theoretically have some of the most accessible and affordable food in the country. Instead, it is the most expensive state for groceries in the contiguous United States, with prices soaring far beyond national averages. The rising cost of food in California is driven by soaring regulatory burdens, labor laws, energy prices and supply chain challenges, all of which are making it harder for families to afford even the most basic necessities.
The average household in California spends $1,200 per month on groceries, nearly $300 per week, making it one of the costliest places for food in the country, according to a HelpAdvisor study that analyzed information from the U.S. Census Bureau. This is $30 more per week than the national average, placing further financial strain on families already dealing with high housing, transportation and utility costs.
Families with children face an even bigger burden, spending 41% more on groceries than households without kids. The increasing cost of food is making it harder for parents to make ends meet, and many are turning to food banks for assistance.
The Impact on Californians
As food prices surge, more Californians are struggling with food insecurity. Grocery prices have risen 28% in the past five years, a jump that matches the total increase from the 15 years before the pandemic. Grocery shopping has become a financial burden for millions.
Food insecurity is no longer just an issue for low-income households. Even middle-income earners — those earning $100,000-150,000 per year — are increasingly relying on food banks. More than one in five Californians is food insecure and 27% of households with children struggle to put food on the table.
Food banks are now stretched to their limits, reporting record-high demand from working families who simply can’t keep up with rising costs.