Egg prices have been climbing at an alarming rate, forcing shoppers to rethink their grocery budgets. The cost of a carton has reached nearly $5, marking the biggest price jump in a decade. This surge is not just frustrating for families. It is putting food banks under serious strain as demand rises.
Since the demand is so high, food banks across the country can not meet it. And that is only worsening the crisis. Here is everything you should know:
Why Are Egg Prices So High?
A major reason for the price hike is avian influenza, which has devastated poultry farms across the country. Millions of egg-laying hens have been lost, drastically cutting down egg production. With fewer hens producing eggs, supply has shrunk, causing prices to shoot up.
Julian / Pexels / One of the major reasons why egg prices are so high in the U.S. is the viral avian influenza.
Rising production costs also play a role. Farmers are paying more for chicken feed, fuel, and labor, all of which add up. When farms spend more to operate, those expenses trickle down to consumers. Even with efforts to stabilize supply, the cost of eggs remains at record highs.
Food Banks Are Struggling to Keep Up
As egg prices soar, food banks are feeling the pressure. More families are turning to them for basic groceries, including eggs, but keeping up with demand is not easy. With fewer donations and higher purchasing costs, food banks are scrambling to maintain stock.
A grant program has helped provide free eggs to food banks, easing some of the burden. However, with avian flu still a threat, the long-term availability of these eggs remains uncertain. If the supply chain does not recover soon, food banks may struggle to meet the growing demand for affordable protein sources.
Families Face Hard Choices at the Grocery Store
Eggs have long been a household staple, offering an affordable and nutritious source of protein. But with prices at an all-time high, many families are now making tough decisions at the grocery store. Some are cutting back on eggs altogether, while others are searching for cheaper alternatives.
Engin / Pexels / For those who rely on eggs as a key part of their diet, the increase in cost creates financial stress.
People are shifting their shopping habits, buying fewer cartons or turning to food assistance programs. The steep prices are making it harder for families to maintain a balanced and budget-friendly diet.
Is There Relief in Sight?
Experts say egg prices might stabilize if poultry farms recover from the avian flu outbreak. If more hens are raised and production increases, supply could meet demand, bringing prices down. However, another wave of the disease or additional economic pressures could send costs even higher.
Inflation and supply chain issues are also a factor in the equation. Even if the avian flu threat fades, rising fuel, feed, and labor costs could keep egg prices elevated. The industry is still facing worker shortages, and disruptions in transportation could continue to impact availability. While some relief may come, it might not happen overnight.
For now, consumers have few options but to adapt. Looking for discounts, buying in bulk, or exploring plant-based egg substitutes can help stretch grocery budgets. Until the supply chain fully rebounds, eggs will remain an expensive item on shopping lists across the country.
