For Denver mother Jaleesa McIntosh, the weekly grocery run has turned into a constant calculation: pay the utilities or pay for a full cart of fresh food. Across Colorado, families describe the same squeeze, as tiny price bumps on dozens of staples quietly add up to a serious hit. That means more time chasing sales, more swapping to cheaper brands, and harder calls about what actually makes it onto the dinner table.
Federal data backs up what shoppers are feeling at the checkout. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the “food at home” index rose 2.9 percent over the 12 months ending in April, while fruits and vegetables were about 6.1 percent higher over the same period. The energy index climbed 17.9 percent over those 12 months. Denver7 spoke with McIntosh and MSU Denver economist Kishore Kulkarni, who told the station that higher fuel and freight costs are pushing food prices up for households across Colorado.
Energy Shock And The Supply Chain
Beyond domestic supply and labor issues, analysts point to a global energy shock that has made it more expensive to move food from farm to shelf. The International Energy Agency’s April Oil Market Report documented large supply losses tied to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and warned that inventories have been drawn down, creating a tight market that keeps both pump and freight prices elevated. Those higher energy costs ripple through every step of the food chain, from field to forklift to your cart.
How Families Are Coping…