Average New York residents impacted by inflation: ‘I can’t afford proper food’

Inflation continues to affect New Yorkers, with recent findings indicating that Americans are now spending an additional $709 each month on everyday items compared to just two years ago.

For many, financial strategies involve waiting for sales events to make purchases, while individuals like Yvonne Lindesay have had to compromise on the quality of their diet due to escalating food expenses.

“Everything is high as hell,” expressed 67-year-old Lindesay on Monday.

Here’s how various New Yorkers are responding to the necessity of tightening their budgets:

Magician Adam Cardone shared that he and his mother are now compelled to seek out sales to keep their pantry and refrigerator stocked, yet they face a challenge as the stores in their area rarely provide any discounts.

“We have to look for sales,” he explained while standing outside a Stop & Shop in Rockaway Park, Queens. “I live closer to the projects and nothing is ever on sale. Now tell me why? Why are things here on sale all the time and not there?”

“We have noticed our bills have almost doubled. It’s doubled and everything has shrunk. All the products are smaller. They’re cutting it down — if it was 12 cookies, it’s now 4.”

Cardone, who is 49 years old, noted that it wasn’t solely grocery prices taking a toll on his finances, but also basic activities like going to the movies.

At the Whole Foods on the Upper West Side, Myah Rodriguez, a 39-year-old fashion business owner, has been monitoring the impact of inflation through the gradual increase in the price of tomato sauce.

“It was like $7. It’s usually like $5,” she remarked while at the store on 97th Street and Columbus Avenue. “The chicken breasts are like really overpriced for just like three stacks of little chicken breast.” 

Carole Sanders, now retired and living on a fixed income, spent 29 years working in supermarkets. She has observed that current prices have compelled her to skip certain food items entirely, even at the cost of her well-being.

“I don’t eat that much meat. I stopped because I can’t afford it.” said Sanders, 75. “I’m not getting good nutrition. I need to get better nutrition than I have because I have a bad kidney.”

“A dozen eggs is at least $5. They used to be $3.99. Meat is going up.”