Locals Prepare for Spiking Food Prices

South Orange and Maplewood residents are preparing for the predicted rise in food prices. The spike, which could see food prices rise as much as 10 percent, according to analysts, has a number of locals looking to stockpile now to save later.

Miriam Roth has a simple strategy. "Coupon and stockpile, coupon and stockpile." Roth, who is "chief of household operations" for her family of seven is already shopping with the higher prices in mind. "I have a big freezer and an extra fridge in the basement," she explains.

Roth relies on for grocery store guidance. "I shop the big sales at local grocery stores," she explains, "but I don't drive all over the place. And I don't shop anywhere I have to pay to spend money."

The rise in prices, largely due to the drought, is expected to hit meat, eggs, and dairy products hardest.

"Fine," says Joe Holmes, shopping at Eden Gourmet. "We can deal. We're eating less meat already." Holmes stretches the grocery money by "refocusing" meals. He explains. "Instead of a meat or fish main event, it's a little bit of meat and a lot of pasta or rice." Holmes laughs. "Yes, it takes the fun of grilling, but it saves some cash."

Marissa Volpe is taking another approach. "We're going for zero waste," she says. "I am extremely concerned about food prices and potential shortages, extremely." Volpe is being stricter with herself and her three children. "No waste on the plates, nothing tossed out just because we don't like it. Mushy bananas will become muffins. We're no longer buying the newest kind of cereal on the market just to try it and realize we don't like it."

Another possibility, says Roth, is harder but has two benefits. "I'm on diet," she says. "I'm eating less. I think it will help the bottom line, both the budget and my own personal bottom line."