BOWLING GREEN, Kentucky (WBKO) – After the pandemic, prices for everything seem to continue to skyrocket, including the grocery store.

A recent study published by the National Library of Medicine reported that prices of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and meat alternatives increased by nearly 13% from 2019 to 2022. In contrast, the same study reported that prices of unhealthy foods increased by only 9% during the same period.

“So overall, when there is inflation, all prices should go up, including food. So if we look back over the last few years, prices have gone up about 20%, food has gone up a little higher, I think 21-22%,” says Stephen King, associate professor of agricultural economics at Western Kentucky University.

This can pose a host of health risks for low-income families, who are more likely to face weight-related health problems, according to Sarah Widener, health and wellness director at Med Center Health.

“The weight-related health problems we see here are obesity in general. People have weight problems and want to lose weight to prevent problems, so we do a lot in that direction. But then there are other things we see, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.”

King says that while grocery stores may be a cheaper alternative, they may not offer the same quality as local markets.

“They deal in very large volumes, so their production costs per unit tend to be lower, which can generally translate into lower costs for consumers. At a farmers’ market, each farmer deals in a much smaller volume.”

However, Widener says this is not always an option for lower-income families, who may not have access to reliable and fast transportation.

Widener recommends her patients look for ways to reduce sodium and fat and add protein and nutrients.

“So we’re looking for things that they might eat, ramen noodles, but they could take half the package, add some eggs for the protein and have a banana with that. So you know, is it all the beautiful fruits and vegetables that we see pictures of? Maybe not. But we’re going to meet them where they are and what’s available to them to find those healthier alternatives and fill that gap for them.”

King does expect inflation rates to decline, quote: “at some point in the future,” but he is not sure exactly when.”

There are several food banks in Bowling Green to help people affected by food insecurity.

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