ATLANTA – The cost of food is a major concern for many Americans right now.
FOX 5 Atlanta asked its Facebook followers over the weekend if high food prices were a concern and if the increase had impacted their lives. By Monday morning, more than 2,000 comments had been posted, with the vast majority saying they felt the pain, sometimes literally, of rising food prices.
Food prices have been rising for decades, but it wasn’t until 2020 that they really took off. Since then, prices have risen at a pace not seen since the late 1970s and early 1980s. Prices for meat, poultry, fish, and eggs in general, as well as grains and baked goods, have increased the fastest, by 26.9% and 27.8%, respectively.
Food costs continue to increase in 2024, but at a slower pace than the previous year. In 2023, food prices increased by 5.0%, significantly lower than the 11.4% increase recorded in 2022. However, the price increase in 2023 remains above the historical annual average of 2.5% observed between 2003 and 2022. This increase is due to factors such as supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. For 2024, overall food prices at home are projected to decrease slightly by 0.4%, although there is a wide range of possible outcomes, from a decrease of 4.5% to an increase of 4.0%.
Overall, annual inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, decreased in June 2024 to 5.6%, from 5.9% in May. This is the lowest level since October 2021, although a similar rate has been approached several times since the beginning of 2024, at 5.7%.
Earlier this year, fast food restaurants, many of which already offered discounted meals, began offering specials, usually around $5. The goal is to lure back customers who stopped eating out because of price increases. However, not everyone is convinced it will work. According to Fast Company’s Ellie Stevens, the discounted meals may be “too little, too late.” However, some consumers are happy to see these meals because they give them another option to feed their families.
Fast food offers:
Arby’s is offering the $5 Mix ‘N Match deal, which includes a choice of 3 items such as Ranch Chicken Wrap, BBQ Chicken Wrap, Honey Mustard Chicken Wrap, Roast Beef Slider, Jalapeno Roast Beef Slider, Chicken Slider, Buffalo Chicken Slider, Curly Fries, Crinkle Fries and a drink. Learn more.
Burger King offers the $5 meal, which includes a choice of a Whopper Jr., bacon cheeseburger or Chicken Jr., plus fries, 4-piece chicken nuggets and a soft drink.
Ladies and rallies The 5 for $5 meal includes a choice of a double cheeseburger or spicy chicken sandwich, 8 white meat chicken bites, a small portion of Famous seasoned fries, a 16 oz soft drink and a cinnamon apple pie. More information.
KFC is offering the $5 Taste of KFC deal, which includes 2 pieces of dark meat chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a biscuit. KFC is also offering the $30 8-piece chicken and 8-tender filling deal. Learn more.
Krystal is offering a $4.99 deal that includes 2 Original Krystals, a small fry, and a small drink. Learn more.
McDonald’s The $5 meal deal includes a choice of McDouble or McChicken, 4 pieces of Chicken McNuggets, small fries and a small soft drink. More information.
Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s offers deals like 2 for $5 at Hardee’s and 2 for $6 at Carl’s Jr. Carl’s Jr. also offers the new More Bang, Less Buck value menu that features several items under $4, including 4 new single-patty burgers, a spicy chicken sandwich, 6 pieces of chicken, small natural fries, a small fudge drink, a chocolate chip cookie and a chocolate cake. Hardee’s offers two $5 breakfast wraps and the $5.99 Original Bag combo, which includes 2 limited-selection entrees, small fries and a small fountain drink. Learn more.
At Wendy’s: 2 for $3 Biggie Packages, 4 for $4 Meal Package and $5 Biggie Bag. The 2 for $3 Biggie Packages feature your choice of sausage biscuits, egg and cheese biscuits, sausage and cheese English muffins, seasoned baby potatoes and hot coffee. The 4 for $4 Meal Package includes a Jr. Cheeseburger, hot Jr. Crispy Fries, 4 chicken nuggets and your choice of soft drink. The $5 Biggie Bag includes your choice of a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or Crispy Chicken Sandwich, 4 chicken nuggets, hot Jr. Crispy Fries and a small soft drink. For just $1 or $2 more, you can choose from 3 sandwich options including a Double Stack, Crispy Chicken BLT or Bacon Double Stack.
Plus, get 6 free nuggets with any purchase on the Wendy’s mobile app on Wednesday. Learn more.
Metro: A A two-week deal on footlong sandwiches is running from August 26 to September 8 for $6.99. Customers can order any footlong sandwich on their menu for $6.99. That’s just under half the price of most footlong sandwiches. Customers must use promo code 688FL on the Subway app or website to redeem the deal. Subway is also offering a value menu featuring footlong snacks for $5 and under. Learn more.
Taco Bell: $7 Cravings Luxe Box, which includes a Chalupa Supreme, a 5-Layer Beef Burrito, a Double Stacked Taco, Chips with Nacho Cheese Sauce and a Medium Fountain Drink.
Coming soon: An in-depth look at prices, local grocery store comparisons, and how to save money on food
Other restaurants:
Applebee’s: 2 for $25 meal deal, allowing guests to choose two entrees and one appetizer or two side salads. Choose two entrees and one appetizer or two side salads. Appetizers include boneless wings, crispy onion rings, mozzarella sticks, spinach and artichoke dip and two side salads. Entree choices include chicken tenders, classic cheeseburger, classic burger and grilled chicken breast. Additional options are available for an additional fee ($1.50 to $4.50 depending on the entree). This deal was previously known as the 2 for $20 deal. Learn more.
Denny’s offers all-day dining for $5.99, including options like scrambled eggs and cheddar for breakfast, the Super Slam, and all-you-can-eat pancakes. Learn more.
Peppers: The 3 for Me meal menu features 12 choices starting at $10.99. Each deal includes a drink, appetizer and entrée. Choices include the Just Bacon Burger, Big Smasher Burger, Double Oldtimer with Cheese, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Cilantro Lime Carne Asada, 6oz Classic Sirloin, Oldtimer with Cheese, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Cajun Shrimp Pasta, 3-Count Nashville Hot Crispers Combo, 3-Count Crisper Combo, 3-Count Honey-Chipotle Crispers Combo. Prices range from $10.99 to $16.99. Learn more.
Pizza Hut: My Hut Box starting at $6.99 and Deal Lover’s Menu starting at $7. The My Hut Box starting at $6.99 offers a choice of a 2-topping pizza with a side of fries or 4 boneless wings and a 20 oz. Deal Lover’s Menu choices at $7 include a medium 1-topping pizza, meat pizza, pepperoni pizza, chicken bacon parmesan pizza, buffalo chicken pizza, 8 breaded boneless wings, double helping of breadsticks, roasted garlic cheese sticks, bacon cheddar cheese sticks, cheese sticks, baked cheesy Alfredo pasta, baked Italian meat pasta, baked veggie pasta, chocolate donut bites, Cinnabon mini rolls and a Pepsi 4-pack. Learn more.
Robin: Monster Monday deals and a $10 gourmet cheeseburger deal on Tuesday. Learn more.
NOTE: These offers may not be available at all restaurants and prices may vary slightly by region. There may also be other restrictions not mentioned here. Always ask before ordering.
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