By Corinne Murdock |
Arizonans will pay an average of 17 percent more for their July 4 cookout than last year due to the inflation and supply chain crises. That averages $10 more for 10 people.
Nearly all staples increased by double digit percentages:
- 2 pounds of ground beef increased 36 percent — $8.18 to $11.12
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts increased 33 percent — $6.76 to $8.99
- 32 ounces of pork and beans increased 33 percent — $1.90 to $2.53
- 3 pounds of center cut pork chops increased 31 percent — $11.65 to $15.26
- 2.5 quarts of fresh-squeezed lemonade increased 22 percent — $3.63 to $4.43
- 2.5 pounds of homemade potato salad increased 19 percent — $2.75 to $3.27
- 8 hamburger buns increased 16 percent — $1.67 to $1.93
- Half-gallon of vanilla ice cream increased 10 percent — $4.69 to $5.16
- 13-ounce bag of chocolate chip cookies increased 7 percent — $4.03 to $4.31
Certain foods declined in cost: strawberries by 86 cents, sliced cheese by 48 cents, and potato chips by 22 cents.
The data came from the latest American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) survey. As of the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index report from May, inflation in Arizona is at a historic high, rising over eight percent in one year with Phoenix bearing the worst of it at 11 percent.
For last year’s July 4 celebrations, the Biden administration boasted that they helped Americans save an average of 16 cents on cookout foods.
The White House claim was widely criticized, and its corresponding tweet was heavily ratioed: over 23,400 comments and over 17,300 quote tweets, a majority of which were negative, with only over 11,200 likes.
Critics like Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) pointed out that gas prices at the time were at a seven-year high, or a 42 percent increase from 2020. At present, gas prices are hitting all-time highs in recent weeks — even with adjustments for inflation.
Additionally, last year’s Fourth of July food costs may not have been as good as the White House claimed. The Washington Examiner pointed out that the White House ignored certain food items that rose in price: hamburger buns, potato salad, chicken breasts, chocolate chip cookies, and strawberries. The report noted that the Department of Agriculture data reflected an overall increase in food prices of 1.4 percent.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
