Local Food Pantries and Markets Struggle as Egg Prices Soar: What You Need to Know

Clint Twedt-Ball is dedicated to ensuring families have access to affordable food. He founded Matthew 25, a nonprofit in Cedar Rapids that runs Cultivate Hope Corner Store. This store aims to make healthy food more accessible to local residents.

Unfortunately, the ongoing spread of bird flu and rising egg prices have posed challenges. Because of higher costs from suppliers, Cultivate Hope has had to increase its egg prices. “In just a few months, our egg purchasing costs have gone up about 20 percent,” Twedt-Ball explained.

As a nonprofit, Twedt-Ball strives to keep prices low for essentials like eggs, milk, and bread. “We are willing to absorb some costs to meet our customers’ needs, but we still had to raise egg prices,” he said. This situation is frustrating, yet they have tried to adapt.

One new solution is a flexible egg program where customers can buy as many eggs as they need, rather than forcing them to purchase full dozens. With this system, eggs are priced at 75 cents each, allowing families to buy just what they can afford. “If someone can only pay for two eggs, we want to help them do that,” said Twedt-Ball.

This program was recently launched and is likely to continue based on community needs.

Egg prices nationwide have surged due to the bird flu crisis. The virus spreads mainly through migrating wild birds and can affect poultry in significant ways. When bird flu hits a flock, all birds are usually euthanized to prevent further spread. Since the outbreak began in early 2022, over 140 million birds have been lost, coinciding with a season where hens naturally lay fewer eggs. This has led to shortages and increased prices.

According to the USDA, wholesale prices for eggs in the Midwest have seen steep rises. For example, the average price per dozen jumped from $2.08 in October to $7.06 by late January. This volatility impacts not just grocery stores but also food pantries, which are now struggling to meet the demand for eggs.

Ryan Bobst, from the North Liberty Community Pantry, reports daily inquiries about egg availability. “Eggs are definitely a hot commodity. We’re running out quickly because families depend on them for protein,” he noted. The pantry usually received 24-30 boxes of eggs weekly but is currently getting only half that amount.

Bobst emphasized the urgency of the situation, as families have felt the scarcity. The pantry has had to limit what they can offer, leading many families to return weekly in hopes of obtaining eggs. He stated, “It’s been tough to meet the demand.” The North Liberty Community Pantry isn’t alone—other food banks like the Coralville Community Food Pantry are also struggling to keep up.

John Boller, executive director of the Coralville pantry, shared that their egg supply has significantly decreased. “We’ve had solid relationships with local producers, but right now, it’s hard to get enough eggs.” They too rely on donations, with about 80 percent of their eggs coming from these sources.

Despite strong partnerships with local farms, they are feeling the pinch of high egg prices. Boller mentioned, “We just don’t have enough eggs to feed everyone.” With many families depending on these pantries as their primary food source, the challenge to keep shelves stocked is growing.

As the situation evolves, food banks remain focused on their mission to provide essential nutrition to families in need. The impact of rising egg prices and limited supplies is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many in the community.

This report includes contributions from The Associated Press.

Olivia Cohen is a journalist covering energy and the environment for The Gazette.

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