Gas and groceries have already hit some very high prices and many families are struggling.  Unfortunately, the news isn’t going to get better just yet.  Meat prices are going up.  I had suspected this already but now the WSJ is predicting it as well. Because of the recent droughts and the steep increase in the cost of grains, many farmers have been reducing their livestock ranks through early slaughter.  This of course flooded the market with meat and brought prices down or at least kept them from increasing at the same rate as we’ve seen other food prices rise.  I’ve been able to consistently find meat for less than $2 per pound during the last year.  However, now that the stocks have been reduced, the price restraints are over.

By the end of the year analysts are predicting a rise in meat costs similar to that which has been seen in other foods.  If you’re like me and know how to reduce your dependency on meats but just haven’t bothered, now’s the time to get back into those good money saving habits.  If you don’t know how to stretch those grocery dollars yet, you might want to start researching now as things are going to get worse. 

For those of you who are already struggling, be sure to find out of there is an Angel Food Ministry in your area or consider asking your church to start one.  There are also lots of websites online where you can find tips on frugal living and making the most out of the foods you can purchase.  May each of us be encouraged to do what we can to help one another.