“For I was hungry you gave me food…” (Matt 25:35).

Food prices have risen . Nonetheless, we still have access to abundant supplies of food in stores, at farmer’s markets, and from our own gardens. For our gardens, we have access to plenty of seeds, starter plants, fertilizers, and water from public utilities or from water wells on private property. It is very likely that we have not utilized fully our capacity for producing food in our own gardens and on our own lands. We probably have not started raising our own chickens, sheep, goats, and cows, but we could if necessary.

Yes, food prices are up and we ought to think of every way that we can to prioritize the best practices for raising our own foods when possible. Additionally, we need to consider altering our personal and fam- ily budgets and prepare for spending more on food, and less on other luxury and entertainment items and activities.

I spoke with a farmer who raises beef cattle and he says that the price that he is receiving is still not high enough to meet his basic expenses and provide an income for his family. He became very animated in the brief discussion. I mostly agreed with his perspective. I advocate for farmers and food producers who are asking for just payments for their labor and expenses. If the price of food continues to rise, we will do well to think of the farmers, the laborers, and the food processors who are on the front lines of the food industry. The pickers, baggers, bundlers, etc. often are last to be considered with regard to just wages and just income. The corporate grocery stores, the large food processors, and even corporate farms are not the face of the whole industry.

Furthermore, as we think about food price and access to food, we must think of the global consequences of oil prices, transportation challenges, and the crisis some food producers are facing. For instance, Ukraine is a major food producer that ships grains, seeds, and other foods all over the world. The war has diminished their output. The U.S. will be affected by Ukraine production reduction, but not as much as Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, and some other Arab and African nations that rely upon Ukraine. The nations mentioned were in food supply crises even before the war in Ukraine began. Part of those crises can be blamed on the corrupt leaders and authorities in those nations, and another part on supply. In every respect those countries are facing a difficult set of circumstances.

While the cost of food is rising around us, we still have access, and most us can still pay.

Peace, Fr. Andy