John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com.
Whatever your thoughts about the causes of the recent surge in inflation, it would be hard to argue that prices of everyday goods and services haven’t increased rapidly over the past four years, straining families across the board. But the impact is particularly acute for working families.
Working families generally dedicate a larger portion of their income to essential needs like groceries, housing and transportation. When the cost of these necessities climbs it leaves less room for everything else, creating a constant financial tightrope walk.
Furthermore, wage growth often needs to catch up to inflation, meaning families are effectively earning less, even if the numbers on their paychecks remain the same. This creates a situation where income doesn’t keep pace with the rising cost of living, squeezing budgets and causing significant stress.
Several factors contribute to inflation. Global supply chain issues caused by events like the pandemic can limit the availability of goods, driving up prices. Fluctuations in energy prices, like the recent surge in oil costs resulting from the unrest in the Middle East, can ripple through the economy, impacting transportation, manufacturing and, ultimately, consumer goods. And environmental and workforce policies can increase the cost of production, leading to higher prices.
In times of high inflation, communities can play a vital role in supporting working families. We can rally together by expanding access to food banks and offering affordable meal options to help families stretch their grocery budgets further.
Workshops and educational programs can equip families with budgeting skills and financial planning strategies to navigate inflation effectively.
Partnering with organizations offering utility assistance, childcare support or other essential services can provide much-needed relief. And creating opportunities for families to connect and share resources with each other fosters a sense of solidarity and can lead to innovative solutions.
New Beginnings Moravian Garden, where I serve in a leadership role, is upping its game this summer to better support those working families. We added more than 200 square feet of growing space over the winter, allowing us to produce more staples like corn, beans and squash that can form the basis of healthy meals. We are also diversifying our distribution through a free on-site produce stand, and beginning in July we will offer fresh produce at the food pantry at our Seagle Street campus. While the bulk of our produce will still go to Angels & Sparrows Soup Kitchen, these alternate channels will allow us to serve a more geographically and economically diverse population.
By working together, communities can create a network of support that helps working families weather the storm of inflation. By offering resources, fostering financial literacy and building a sense of shared responsibility, we can ensure that even during challenging economic times, no family is left behind.