Jbsmith23′s Weblog

The car note or the phone bill, insurance or tuition; which is more important? As a member of the working society this question has run through my mind more often than ever. With the recent increase in food prices I have been forced to analyze my lifestyle and reconsider exactly what things are a necessity and what things aren’t. Maybe you have done the same.

Being that I am neither rich nor poor, it’s safe to say that I fall in line as middle class. I work two jobs throughout the week and I attend college. During the summer, working two jobs was considerably enough to cover my priority expenses. However, as food prices continue to rise, the word priority must be viewed in a different light. I find myself questioning certain decisions. “Do I really need a cell phone?” “Being in the heart of downtown, is my car really necessary?” Simple things like my car and cell phone; things that were once considered just a part of my everyday life; are now being seen as privileges and not necessities. I don’t need a car or a cell phone, but I do need food.

Even though some things can be subtracted from the equation, and counted as unnecessary, others cannot. Insurance and college tuition are two things that can definitely be considered priorities. Soaring food prices have caused me to cut back. At times, priorities such as insurance have been skipped or delayed. Instead of buying name brand groceries, I have switched to the generic or store brand. Now that I have roommates, I can buy in bulk and save a few dollars. However, what does the situation look like for those who cannot afford to make such changes? What about the poor? Would their priorities be considered the same as mine? How many people in this country forgo insurance entirely just to put food on the table? These questions are the exact reason why food prices and what’s being done about them should weigh heavily on the minds of people everywhere.    

International Source:

Walt, Vivienne. “The World’s Growing Food-Price Crisis.” Time 27 Feb. 2008: 1-2.

            Www.time.com. 27 Feb. 2008. Time Magazine. 09 Sept. 2008

            <http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1717572-1,00.html>.       

Recent rises in food prices and its affect throughout the world is the main idea of this article. From violent and even fatal protest, to different solutions that have been given for this crisis. In the past two years some food prices have more than doubled. Until recently, much attention was not given to the subject. In my opinion, this was a useful and well-written article. Different statistics and numerical facts were presented to support the information given.  

“Rocketing food prices — some of which have more than doubled in two years — have sparked riots in numerous countries recently.” This quote provides insight on just how much the price of food has risen. It also shows the consequences.

“Days later in Cameroon, a taxi drivers’ strike over fuel prices mutated into a massive protest about food prices, leaving around 20 people dead.” Here, the seriousness of the situation is displayed. 

“but bringing down food prices could take at least a decade, food analysts say.” This quote gives people reason to be concerned with the situation.       

Domestic Source: 

Gavin, Robert. “Surging costs of groceries hit home.” The Boston Globe 09 Mar. 2008:

            1-2. Www.boston.com. 09 Mar. 2008. 09 Sept. 2008

            <http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/articles/2008/03/09/surging_c

            osts_of_groceries_hit_home/?page=1>.   

The article takes a look at the situation from an American poin of view. It talks about the possible threats high food prices pose, and the affect it’s having and will have on the American economy. A testimonial from an American was incorporated. This article gave numerous examples of different foods that have risen in cost.

“Milk prices, for example, increased 26 percent over the year. Egg prices jumped 40 percent.”  This quote provides actual facts for people to compare.

“Food accounts for about 13 percent of household spending compared with about 4 percent for gas.” Being that we need food to survive, this quote almost convinces people that this particular issue presides over others.

“I can’t believe a loaf of bread is like $4” This quote is from an American citizen which makes the isuue relatable to others, causing people to feel connected and take an interest.

One article approaches the situation from an international point of view. The other looks solely at the situation from an American point of view. Although both articles are about the same topic, one seems a bit more extreme than the other. The problem of rising food prices internationally is far greater than here in the U.S. As a result of rising costs, violence has errupted in certain areas of the world. While the problem is not that intense in America, it is still a major issue. 

Think back to your most recent trip to the supermarket; think about the bill. Now think back to a grocery bill from several years ago. Big difference right? The price of food has significantly increased throughout recent years. From rice, to milk, to eggs; everything is on the rise. 

            As the child of a single parent, food prices have always been an important matter in my household. Now, as a broke college student in a struggling economy, food prices are a top priority for me. In the upcoming November election, the issue of the price of food and how it will be dealt with is immensely important to me. A recent trip to the grocery store has further opened my eyes to this dramatic increase in price; having to cut back on both quantity and quality of food. During this upcoming election, I want someone that will be able to make a positive change in the economy and bring down the cost of food. 

            Along with shelter and clothing, food is one of the three basic needs to sustain life. That statement alone is reason enough for others to be concerned with this issue. Working to support a family is apart of everyday life for most people. Imagine not being able to provide. With the direction that things are headed, that scenario could become a reality for some and already is for others. The price of food is not only a national concern, but it is affecting many countries worldwide. 

            Currently, the big issue on everyone’s mind is the price of gas, but should it be? With the average American household spending three times as much for food as for gas, I would say no. Rising food prices is likely to cause a greater problem for the economy than gas prices. There are other alternatives and substitutes for gas; such as electric cars, bicycling, carpooling, and public transportation. However, there are no substitutes for food.

            With the five papers a good approach would be to start with the facts. Make people aware of exactly what is going on and the affects the issue are having. After stating the facts, I would try to appeal to the reader and make the paper relatable. Incorporating actual accounts of people who have felt the effects of rising food prices would be a good way to do so. Finally, I would give suggestions to help deal with the problem.     

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!

            As the child of a single parent, food prices have always been an important matter in my household. Now, as a broke college student in a struggling economy, food prices are a top priority for me; as they should be for everyone else. Food, along with shelter and clothing, is one of the three basic needs to sustain life. In the upcoming November election, the issue of the price of food and how it will be dealt with is immensely important to me. Over the last six months there has been a 41 percent surge in prices for corn, rice, and wheat. Wholesale prices have gone up 9.2 percent within the last 12 months. A recent trip to the grocery store has further opened my eyes to this dramatic increase in price; having to cut back on both quantity and quality of food. During this upcoming election, I want someone that will be able to make a positive change in the economy and bring down the cost of food.