MAINE, USA — As many feel the strain of rising grocery prices, some Maine farmers and producers believe shopping local can offer value and a personal connection to the food on your plate.
At Pine Ridge Acres in Cumberland, Operation Manager Aaron Banks said he understands how a few trips can quickly drain an entire month’s grocery budget.
"I used to spend $40 on groceries, but now it costs me about $80. It’s crazy!" Banks said.
Alongside being open 24/7, Banks explained that their prices tend to remain stable throughout the year.
Local farms, like Pine Ridge Acres, also avoid some of the price fluctuations that large grocery chains face due to global issues.
A 2023 Government Accountability Office analysis found that retail food prices can be affected by several factors like international trade disruptions or animal disease outbreaks. Smaller farms, with less dependence on global supply chains, are sometimes better shielded from these factors.
That said, small farms are not entirely immune to rising costs. Aaron and Rebecca Buckley of Farmers' Gate Market in Leeds pointed out that the rising cost of production — especially grain— has led to price increases over the past six to nine months.
Even with these challenges, local farmers emphasize the quality and experience they provide.
"Customers might say, 'That’s expensive,' but others appreciate the value of what they’re getting," Aaron Buckley explained.
At their store, customers can ask for specific cuts of meat and learn about the farms where the animals were raised.
"We can tell them exactly which farm the animal came from and the practices used," Buckley added.
In addition, many local farm stores offer seasonal discounts, helping shoppers save by purchasing produce when it's at its peak.
Beyond price, there's a broader economic impact as well.
"When a customer spends a dollar here, that dollar stays in the community," he explained.
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