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Food, Medicine, Gas
By Daphne | April 24, 2008
Food or medicine. Food or gas. Medicine or gas.
These are some of the choices that people are now faced with, in the wake of the climbing prices for more and more items that are necessities for daily life. Even if you choose to take public transportation, you may be faced with fare increases because of the price of fuel.
Many foods can’t be stockpiled unless they are dry, but with places like Sam’s and Costco rationing the amount of rice that people can buy it creates a demand. Even though I probably will never have a need for a 20-pound bag of rice, it does make it seem as though I need to get rice. I cook it sporadically and even though the amount I cook will last several days; it does make the need seem urgent. The purchase limitations only affect business purchases in most states. There aren’t any shortages but to protect themselves against the increase in prices in the future, some business people may buy items cheaper so that they will not have to pay higher prices in the future. These higher prices get passed on to us, the consumer.
Rationing or limiting the amount of an item that people can purchase may make people rash. Other people may feel the same way. Average consumers probably will not buy large sacks of rice so that isn’t a worry. But with the price of rice and other grain products increasing along with the price of gas increasing what gets left out? People who need medication may feel the pinch and only get half of their regular prescription. Only a few medications are offered at the large chains that have $4 specials. Most of those are high blood pressure medication.
If these three things are really putting a squeeze on your finances see if you can ask your doctor for some samples of the medications he is prescribing for you. Also see if there is a generic medication that will work, if not, ask if there is a lower priced medication.
For food, stretch things as far as you can. If you are making things like tacos, add beans or a little corn to the meat which will add fiber and bulk to the dish and make the meat go farther. Check the reduced section of your grocery store. There are often items that are discounted when you reach the “sell by” date. Factory stores for bakery items may have a shorter shelf life you may only have a use by date of 1-2 weeks instead of 3 but you can still get a better price on some things like breakfast bars and bread products.
Making a choice between which staples you can buy or afford seems criminal but some people are having to make that choice. Let your legislators know and seek out the best prices you can for what you truly need. If you aren’t feeling the financial crunch as much, consider yourself fortunate.
There aren’t shortages but the rising prices affect us all.
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Topics: April 2008 |