Worries over the bird flu outbreak and concerns over President Donald Trump’s tariff orders are causing many Kent State students to come to terms with their financial struggles.
According to the CDC, H5 Bird Flu is currently widespread in wild birds and is causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy farms across the country. Over 159 million birds have been affected by the bird flu in the United States and, as expected, this has impacted the price of eggs across the country. While the risk level is still low, the CDC has also reported several human cases, mainly in dairy and poultry farmers.
As the outbreak continues, dining halls on campus have posted signs describing the potential impact it may have on menus. According to the signs, campus culinary services may experience “challenges in sourcing impacted products” like poultry, eggs and dairy.
Although prices may continue to fluctuate, there are still ways for students to access desired items.
Kate Skeldon, a sophomore peace and conflict studies student, said the financial state of the country “leaves students in a hard place because buying food on campus is expensive, but driving to get groceries is expensive too because of gas.”
“It leaves us in a hard situation,” Skeldon said.
Forbes suggests keeping a detailed budget, shopping with a list to avoid unnecessary or impulse purchases and buying bulk or clearance items. Students can also utilize meal plans with meal-exchange programs and declining balance to purchase food and products at markets on campus, while supplies last.
Prices have surged significantly, especially for eggs. Because the bird flu has taken many egg-laying hens out of commission, farms and stores cannot supply the in-demand eggs at the typical rate.
According to the Associated Press, egg prices have reached an all-time high, averaging $4.95 per dozen. Giant Eagle in Stow is one of the closest grocery stores to Kent State’s campus. On their website, one dozen eggs currently costs between $4.99 and $9.99.
In addition to this natural barrier causing egg prices to rise exponentially, President Trump has proposed many tariffs that may temporarily impact prices of other goods.
Trump’s taxes on imported goods from Mexico and Canada went into effect Tuesday, causing the two countries’ leaders to speak out in opposition. Specifically, tariffs on aluminum and steel are causing the European Union to propose countermeasures on imports to the U.S., including products like bourbon and peanut butter.
The Consumer Price Index from January revealed that prices have increased, indicating new inflation. While eggs have made up the majority of the food-based inflation, prices of meats and fish have also increased. Additionally, gas prices and car insurance rates are on the rise.
Skeldon mentioned she is able to decrease her spending by comparing prices between items in the stores.
“I have to make sacrifices,” Skeldon said. “I was at the store earlier and Tillamook cheese is two dollars more than the generic. Tillamook is my preferred and it tastes way better, but you have to make sacrifices. It might seem small, but the two dollars add up.”
Ari Collins is a beat reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
