Food prices rise amid Fourth of July celebrations

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Some holiday shoppers have to spend a little more on the backyard barbecues this year.

This year, the American Farm Bureau Federation estimates the cost of a 10-person picnic increased by 7.8%, costing around $70. And for some New Mexicans it’s got them scaling back their celebrations this year. 

“Well, we were gonna make guacamole and all of that but everything’s so expensive,” said Tomasita Gallegos. 

Gallegos says she usually hosts a huge get together with all the fixings, but this year she says they just couldn’t afford it. 

KOB 4 asked other shoppers if they were doing the same.

“Not really, holidays only come you know once a year and so, you know, we can shave back other you know, maybe eat out a little less if we want this over here,” said Valerie Norris. 

Choosing a pack of hot dogs over a fast food meal is still going to cost you though. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a pack of hot dogs has increased 50% since 2019, including the favorite Coronado hot dogs. 

But since this summer has the least COVID-19 restrictions we’ve seen in two years – some people say the inflated prices don’t matter. 

“Yeah, I mean, we pay more, but we want to be together because with the pandemic, we weren’t able to so we kind of still get together with our family,” said Keri S.