Milk Price Increases Will Hurt Families

A USDA report suggests that households experiencing recession-related difficulties in putting food on the table will find increased financial struggles due to rising fluid milk prices. The median U.S. household made 3.6% less money in 2008 than in 2007, while fluid milk prices increased 11.6% in 2007 and 6% in 2008. Households struggling financially will stretch their food dollars by purchasing food at less expensive grocery stores, switching to less expensive foods, and searching for promotional discounts. Fluid milk that is higher in fat or organic is more expensive. Lower-income households are already doing all they can to save money, and lack the flexibility to do more as food prices continue to rise, making them particularly affected by ongoing price volatility.

Source: USDA, 4/13, Milk Prices