SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) – During the COVID-19 pandemic, the average price of food bought for home consumption has risen at double the typical rate of inflation, especially among meat products that form the basis of many family meals in South Dakota.
Beef and veal prices were almost 10% higher in 2021 compared with 2020, while pork prices at the retail level jumped by 6.3% and poultry rose by 5.6% during that time period. Meat prices overall jumped almost 16% from 2019 to 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
When food prices rise, it puts a disproportionate financial burden on lower-income families, who must buy food to feed their families regardless of income. Food costs are also typically higher in rural communities, which make up the majority of South Dakota’s population.
In the latest article published by South Dakota News Watch, available here, reporter Bart Pfankuch explores why prices are rising and shares how the trend is affecting some South Dakota residents.
