Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU professor and food and nutrition specialist, is among the experts quoted in two recent MoneyGeek articles.
In “America’s Favorite Meal Just Got a Major Price Hike,” by Rachel Newcomb, Garden-Robinson is one of four professionals interviews for the story in which MoneyGreek analyzed menu prices for a burger, french fries and soda in the 50 largest U.S. cities.
“According to some experts, we may see a leveling out of food prices in 2023,” she said when asked if we will continue to see rising food costs. “Food prices have risen over the last few years, whether you buy it a grocery store and prepare it at home – or eat food prepared at a food service facility, such as a restaurant. Food service facilities have faced supply chain issues, a shortage of workers and increased wages for the workers on staff. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated an 8% increase in food prices across the board.”
Garden-Robinson also is featured in another Rachel Newcomb article, titled “Will This Be the Year Consumers Cancel Turkey?” MoneyGeek examined the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner in 122 metro areas. In the Boston metro area, for example, a meal for six people cost $170, while in the Twin Cities area, it was $110.
“Geographical pricing can vary. Depending on the size of the city, labor costs and transportation costs from the source to the store can vary greatly,” Garden-Robinson said. “Advertising can vary from location to location. The shipping costs, tax rate and competition among the products within and between stores can affect the final price.”
Garden-Robinson has been active in the National Extension Association of Family Consumer Sciences, National Health Extension Initiative and the North Dakota Nutrition Council. She earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree in food and nutrition and doctorate in cereal science and food technology from NDSU.
Categories: North Dakota, Business, General