Readers Respond: “Grocery quality and quantity decrease, prices soar”

Your Oregon News asked readers to rate the affordability of groceries in their area this season, in an unofficial survey.

Over 41% of reader respondents said they have cut back a lot on groceries this season, and 33% said they have cut back a little. About 20% said they have not cut back at all, 5% are neutral, and 3% said they buy more groceries now.

About 40% of reader respondents said they spend $50-100 on groceries per week, with 29% spending $100-150 and 18% spending $150-200. About 8% of readers said they spend $300 or more per week, with 2% spending $200-$300, and 2% spending $50 or less.

Your Oregon News readers say they notice prices on some items going up, with some readers self-reporting 50-200% price hikes in their grocery spending. The top mentions from our readers of items with increasing prices include meat, fresh produce, bread, and dairy like eggs and cheese.

More than 38% of readers said they are very dissatisfied with the value they receive for their money spent on groceries. About 28% said they are dissatisfied; 26% feel neutrally, and almost 8% feel satisfied.

Here’s what Your Oregon News readers have to say about grocery satisfaction:

“Produce quality has gone down, while prices are very high.” — Michelle Brown, Tigard

“It is now at least $20 to obtain all ingredients for one recipe which was once only $12. I had to cut out two meals a day and or going without eating to feed other family members.” — Julie Bidwell, Madras

“I do most of my food shopping at WinCo, since their prices are competitive on various items. Seafood and meat are pricey. Also, certain items found along the grocery aisles at Safeway are expensive. However, I do stock up on various items when on sale at a good price like apple juice, for example.” — Dana Weintraub, Beaverton

“Do I think I should be paying less? Sure, but I always think that. Essentially, prices went up, quality stayed the same.” — Melissa A De Lyser, Portland

“Many producers used supply-chain disruptions and fuel increases to boost food prices but never reduced prices when fuel decreased and supply-chain resolved.” — Robert Liebman, Portland

“The high costs are from shipping and corporate gauging. Seafood and meat prices are going up. I stay away from the inner isles.” — Karen, Portland

“Everything has gone up from the smallest of things to the largest. The only way to survive is to shop sales. I'm spending more money to bring home less groceries. I have to make harder decisions about what I am buying and changing the way I shop. Every time minimum wage goes up the only way to re-coup the grocers cost is to raise prices. A lot of people don't get raises to accommodate the rising prices of groceries and other items.” — Nancy Murry, Rogue River

“Shelf good items like chips seem to be the same size, with more air than there used to be. less product and more air, but the item is more expensive.” — Paige DuBose, Portland

“Item size is reduced to make it look less expensive.” — Michael Hohn, Beaverton

“Meat, baked goods, and cheese are more expensive now. Groceries have become nearly as expensive as my monthly rent. I've had to cut eating out altogether and buying clothes unless they're literally falling apart.” — Camille Jones, Prineville

“The cost of canned goods is up at many stores. Often hamburger costs more than pork, so we've switched up what we eat and how often. I shop around for food a lot more than I used to as each store has its deals.” — Norma L. Cook, Newberg

“Price have gone up, inflation!” — Alison Hildahl, Lake Oswego

“With Winco, it seems to vary per week. One week fruit, another week meat. I think it depends on the deals their buyers find. For me, Winco is the best place to shop. They don't have a required store savings card, or weird sales. Coupon items at places like Fred Meyer and Safeway are often still more expensive than Winco. I couldn't afford the same quality of food from Fred Meyer or Safeway that I can afford at Winco. We eat healthier because I shop at Winco. The selection is less than Fred Meyer, but I'll take that over inflated prices from Kroger.” — Steph Capistrano, Tigard

“Bread, meat, eggs, cereal, tea, things like chips, crackers, fruit, are more costly now. Corporations are making millions while the working class suffers. They are charging more and reducing the amount (shrinkflation). I hate grocery shopping. It’s depressing.” — Susan Williams, Portland

“Vitamin supplement prices are up. While I can see the huge health value in buying supplements, organic foods, natural foods, etc., the prices could be a bit lower, so my raises can keep up with the high costs...Thank God for sales!” — Lorraine Jackson, Hillsboro

“Several things are more expensive for us now. The bread we like, Dave's Killer Bread, is $7. The last time I bought a roll of foil it was around $14. I bought a flat iron steak the other day, and we used to get those for around $15. This one was $27 and no bigger than normal. Quality and quantity have remained the same or even decreased while the prices soar.” — Christy Gilbert, Aloha

“Fresh fruits and vegetable quality is getting worse while price increases.” — Christopher Stone, Newberg