Topic: Inflation in NC

Thesis: North Carolinians are no longer able to afford groceries prices due to inflation as a result of disruptions in the global food-supply chain, shortages caused by supply and demand, and weather changes.

BP1 - Grocery prices in North Carolina are currently unaffordable, as a result of inflation, due to disruptions in the global, food-supply chain.

• Before 2021, the normal rate of inflation for groceries was about 2% (USGAO). But, in the span of one year, from 2021 to 2022, this rate shot up to an unexpected 11% (USGAO). This particular, sharp increase was caused by many socio-political factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine (USGAO). However, inflation, due disruptions in the global, food-supply chain, can take many other forms. Disruptions in the global, food-supply chain can also result in increased production costs. For example, the Russian Invasion of Ukraine has caused many disruptions in the global, food-supply chain. According to the BBC, the destruction caused by the Russian Invasion of Ukraine has destroyed many crucial aspects of their economy, including their ability to export wheat and corn, which is vital to the global food-chain supply. In fact, not only has Ukraine's ability to produce food been destroyed, the infrastructure needed to produce it has also been destroyed, such as equipment, farmland, and workers (BBC). As a result, Time Magazine reported that the price of wheat and corn globally is at risk of rising by between 20% and 30%. On a state level, North and South Carolina have also been affected by other factors caused by disruptions in the global, food-supply chain. For example, many people have noticed the skyrocketing price of meat, and meat products, in the last few years. According to Eyewitness News, the price of meats in North Carolina have risen to titanic heights. Since the end of 2020, the price of beef, pork, and chicken have risen by an average of 11% per pound (ABC 11). In this context, the price of meats can be directly tied to the disruptions in the global, food-supply chain, since many farmers, slaughterhouses, and ranches have reported instances of disease amongst their livestock, equipment damage, and poor farming conditions (ABC 11).
• This evidence shows that, not only are grocery prices skyrocketing globally due to inflation, but North Carolina are also feeling the effects.
• Understanding the role that the global, food-supply chain plays in ensuring affordability of groceries is vital to understanding how and why grocery prices can rise or fall.
• Not only does the global food-supply chain play a role in inflation, which affects the price of groceries, but shortages caused by supply and demand also can contribute to the same problem.

BP 2 - Grocery prices in North Carolina are currently unaffordable, as a result of inflation, due to shortages caused by supply and demand.

• North Carolina is directly affected, in terms of grocery unaffordability, by the shortages experienced, not only today, but as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. According to Eyewitness News, just before the start of the pandemic, there were already shortages of various items, but this was still manageable. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic sent short-supplied stores into a whirlwind with customers panic-buying necessities and other products (ABC 11). The short supply, coupled with over-buying, has caused much of today's prices to still be affected, even 4 years after the pandemic began (ABC 11). To this day, some grocery stores have still not been able to restock their shelves with certain, favored items because of the lack of availability and customers buying too much at one time (ABC 11). This has caused grocery stores to implement limits on the number of items that customers can buy at one time, like baby formula, canned goods, and frozen meals (ABC 11).

• The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected supply and demand, causing a lack of supply in contrast to the greater demand, this has caused stores to hike their prices, to a level higher than previously precedent with the stores increasing prices so that they can stop bleeding of supplies in excess, which cannot meet the demands of consumers.
  • In addition to the issue in supply and demand, another stacking problem is the weather changes that are causing inflation.
  • North Carolina leads the US in the production of hogs, poultry, and tobacco, and its $92 billion agriculture industry contributes significantly to the state's economy. Furthermore, in 2018, the state's economy benefited from $20.8 billion from forestry and allied industries, or about 4% of North Carolina's gross state product. But as farmers deal with rising rainfall and drought rates and more frequent extreme weather events like hurricanes that bring floods and other dangers, the sector is in jeopardy. With less agricultural yields at risk, farmers would face greater financial losses and suffering. These weather-related problems are all connected. (UNC)
  • This shows you that even climate changes play apart in causing inflation. Here are 3 solutions on how to fix the food inflation problem.
  • Solution 1- You can tap in with local farmers and makers.
  • Examine Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, which let you purchase directly from regional farms. Joining a CSA allows you to get fresh vegetables without having to pay for intermediaries and transportation.
  • Make connections with local producers who, because they have fewer overheads, can provide better food pricing. For the freshest possible food, use apps like GrownBy to connect with local farmers and websites like LocalHarvest.org to locate CSAs in your region.
• Solution 2 - Buy all your produce from the freeze section in grocery stores.

Your ally is the freezer department. Fresh produce is more expensive than frozen, but frozen food is more consumable. Harvest that has been flash-frozen keeps its maximum ripeness, so it's a great option in both cost and quality. Invest in quality products such as meats, cheese, and nuts by purchasing them in large quantities and freezing them into smaller servings.

• Solution 3 - Plan ahead on what you are going to make for your weekly meals.
• Prior to shopping, plan out your weekly meals. Developing a plan lowers food waste and helps you prevent purchasing things impulsively.
• Store brands come in cheaper prices without sacrificing quality, so keep that in mind.
• Keep an eye on costs and make use of discounts. With digital coupons and cash-back incentives, couponing has entered a new era.

• Conclusion- Because of disturbances in the global food supply chain, supply and demand limitations, and weather variations, North Carolinians are no longer able to pay grocery costs owing to inflation.
• It's critical to be knowledgeable and flexible as we negotiate these economic ups and downs. In times of inflation, community initiatives and awareness are critical in resolving food-related difficulties, whether the focus is on helping local food banks or keeping an eye on grocery expenses.

Help create a rough draft and a better thesis and better soultions on how to stop inflation as a society