When America gets the flu, Black folks catch pneumonia. It's an old adage, but the tl;dr is generations of discrimination have placed Black families of today at an inherent disadvantage. Consider, for instance, the racial wealth gap — that the typical white family has "nearly eight times the wealth" as a typical Black family. This disparity is the legacy of chattel slavery and Jim Crow. So, whenever the nation endures economic hardship, Black families carry this unique burden. For many white and affluent people, the rising cost of eggs and other goods is a mere inconvenience—an unfortunate but manageable change to their budget. But for Black people in low-income communities, increased food costs impact access. This is a key distinction.
According to the U.S. Agricultural Department, "the price of eggs could jump 41% this year." This marks a significant increase in a short period of time. And signals to consumers that prices will continue to rise. The average 12-egg carton is $4.95 nationwide, though in some cases, consumers pay "over $12 a dozen." Some restaurants, such as Waffle House and Denny's, added surcharges for egg dishes. What once was a cheap source of protein is now a much pricier item. In some ways, egg prices have become a barometer for political discourse. During the presidential campaign, conservatives often blamed rising inflation on the Biden administration. Ironically, their explanation has become more holistic now that Trump is in office. Many experts have cited the impact of bird flu to explain the increase. Egg prices have become a centerpiece in discussions about rising inflation. A sign of the high cost of living. But it’s essential to consider the broader context — that various foods are becoming more expensive.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that the consumer price index rose by 31.8% in the last five years. Their graph reveals the rate at which prices of goods and services increased over time. Economists suggest that bird flu is the main contributing factor to increased egg prices. Yet, a myriad of factors explain the general hike in grocery costs. The volatility in the markets produced by COVID-19 disrupted global supply chains. And, in turn, limited access to some essential crops and livestock. The high cost of “production, labor, and fuel cost ripple[ld] through every aspect of the food system.” So, if it feels like your grocery bill is more expensive than a few years ago, you’re not alone. Some companies passed the increased cost of production on to consumers. One example of this would be offering shrunken-sized products for the same price. Another would be hiking prices for items of the traditional-sized product. This, of course, left some consumers feeling cheated. The cost of goods and services has risen. And it has done so despite stagnant wages among low-income workers.
In America, many live under the presumption that society is equal. But this is a façade. Customers pay the same price when they walk into a grocery store to buy a carton of eggs. Yet, not every person has the same access to capital. Consider, for instance, the factors that contribute to wealth acquisition, such as access to generational wealth and familial socioeconomic status. Black families are still feeling the ripple effect of chattel slavery and Jim Crow. Thus, they do not have the same access to economic resources. Therefore, higher grocery prices do not impact citizens equally. Indeed, Black Americans carry a disproportionate burden.
A Pew Research Center poll shed light on their experience. “More than half of Black adults experience at least one economic worry daily.” Their findings suggest that economic concerns are pervasive. And present an added stress to their lives. Many will dismiss the role of race in discussions about inflation. They will likely claim that White people also experience poverty. However, research suggests this racial disparity remains across the socioeconomic spectrum. In 2021, lower-income White households had 21 times the median wealth of lower-income Black households. This indicates that poverty does not look the same across the board. We indeed find ourselves in a class struggle as there is a wide gap between the haves and have-nots. However, we must remember that race plays a unique role in shaping access to goods and services. Research suggested slavery remains “an important determinant of levels of inequality.” In this case, the racial wealth gap acts as a pre-existing condition, predating the latest economic hardship. And confounds the harmful impact.
To make matters worse, the Trump administration has slashed two food aid programs worth $1 billion. These federal funds were for schools and food banks that purchase food from local farmers and provide aid to communities. Given the history, this decision will disproportionately impact Black families. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins defended the decision to eliminate two significant programs. She referred to food aid as “nonessential” despite the public outcry over the administration’s decision. Yet, these programs provided food to communities with hungry people. Taking away that aid puts their access in jeopardy. The impact is compounded by the fact that food insecurity is higher among Black and Hispanic households. At least twice the rate of White households, according to the USDA. Thus, it stands to reason they will carry a unique burden. And that shouldn't be lost in this larger story of economic injustice.
This post originally appeared on Medium and is edited and republished with author's permission. Read more of Dr. Allison Gaines' work on Medium.