In the iconic 1990 film "Home Alone," the young protagonist Kevin McCallister, portrayed by Macaulay Culkin, manages to purchase a sizable grocery haul for less than $20.
However, in the current economic climate, such a feat would be impossible, a fact that is not lost on American consumers.
The same assortment of items, including a half gallon each of milk and orange juice, a TV dinner, bread, frozen mac and cheese, laundry detergent, cling wrap, toilet paper, a pack of army men, and dryer sheets, which cost McCallister a mere $19.83, would have set him back $44.40 last year. In 2023, the cost has skyrocketed to an astonishing $72.28.
Rochelle Chalmers, a mother of two, small business owner, and West Virginia resident, shared her perspective on the escalating costs on "FOX & Friends First." "Different parts of the country are going to see different rates of inflation. And I know that some rates of inflation are normal across decades. But the inflation that we have felt in the grocery store has been just the same as every other American. And it is tough trying to pay for groceries week to week," she said.
Despite a slight easing in prices since the peak of inflation, the cost of everyday goods continues to strain the budgets of average Americans and pose challenges for business owners. The October consumer price index (CPI) revealed that the price of everyday goods, including gasoline, groceries, and rent, remained unchanged from the previous month. However, prices had risen 3.2% from the same period the previous year.
Chalmers, owner of Drifter Donuts, lamented the impact of these changes on her business. "We wish that the prices would have stayed the same. But unfortunately, due to more demand, there's more businesses entering the market after COVID and there's also more supply chain issues that we're dealing with. We've had disruptions in our product," she explained.
The rising costs have led to uncertainty about the future of her business. "Sometimes we've had to wonder, will we be able to operate? We're a weekend business, will we make it to this weekend with as much product as we currently have?" Chalmers shared.
Despite some data indicating a slight cooling in prices, the majority of voters remain concerned about inflation and rising costs. A recent FOX News poll revealed that only 29% of respondents believe the worst of the economic downturn is over, a slight increase from 25% in 2022. However, a significant 67% do not see any signs of economic recovery, including most Republicans (84%) and independents (77%).
Despite the challenges, Chalmers remains hopeful, attributing her business's survival to a supportive community. "We've been very fortunate," she said.
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