Republicans blast Biden as food prices in America hit 42-year high

A new Bureau of Labor Statistics report has shown that food prices across the United States rose by 9.4% in April compared with the same period in 2021, marking the fastest growing rate of food inflation in nearly 42 years.

According to the data, grocery store prices rose even higher, topping 10.8% with the biggest price increases affecting meat, poultry, fish, eggs, flour, bread and fruits. Meats, poultry, fish and eggs jumped up 14.3%, marking the largest yearly increase since May 1979. Other categories logging steep annual increases included fruits and vegetables (7.8%), cereals and bakery products (10.3%).

But as prices continue to rise, Americans are quickly becoming more judicious at the check-out line. A new e-commerce sales report from Brick Meets Click and Mercatus has shown a 4% decline in online food sales, driven by a nearly 6% drop in order volume as well as a reduction in active users.

“It’s no surprise that inflation is affecting where and how people shop online for groceries,” David Bishop, partner at Brick Meets Click, said in a statement.

"Some customers may now find pickup a more attractive service since it can help them avoid the higher incremental costs associated with delivery, and others may choose to simply move more of their transactions back into the store."

Yet as Americans struggle to make ends meet, President Joe Biden on Wednesday outlined a federal plan to help American farmers boost crop production to counter reduced food exports from Europe caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, CNBC reported.

“Right now, America is fighting on two fronts,” Biden told a crowd in Kankakee, Illinois.

“At home, it’s inflation and rising prices. Abroad, it’s helping Ukrainians defend their democracy, and feeding those who are left hungry around the world because Russian atrocities exist.”

Soon after the new inflation numbers were released, however, Republicans blasted the Biden administration for mismanaging the situation.

“​This all-Democrat government has managed a unique kind of economic turnaround. They took an economy that was ready to soar last January, turned it around, and drove it into the ground​,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Twitter.

This all-Democrat government has managed a unique kind of economic turnaround. They took an economy that was ready to soar last January, turned it around, and drove it into the ground. https://t.co/X2PTNJ7lgX

— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) May 11, 2022

“$4.37 gas 8.3% Inflation Only the rich can afford a Biden Presidency​,” Rep. Jody Hice posted on Twitter.

⛽️ $4.37 gas
📈 8.3% Inflation

Only the rich can afford a Biden Presidency.

— Rep. Jody Hice (@CongressmanHice) May 11, 2022

​Sen. Marsha Blackburn​ said the costs of inflation are being exacerbated by food shortages, which have even left parents scrambling to find baby formlula

Sen. John Cornyn took to Twitter to warn that inflationary costs have been “devastating” to his constituents. ​

“​Since the moment President Biden took office, Texas families have watched the price of everything from gas to groceries soar to record highs​,” Cornyn wrote.​

“Today’s announcement that Inflation has remained near a 40-year high is devastating to hard working Texans.”