Eggs, once a humble grocery item, are now becoming a luxury for many Americans. Las Vegas shoppers are feeling the crunch as the ongoing bird flu epidemic and seasonal production slowdowns have driven egg prices to staggering levels. It’s a harsh reminder of how fragile supply chains and agricultural industries can impact our daily lives—and our wallets.

Cheryl Martin, a local shopper, shared her shock: “I saw in the paper it was $3.69, but when you get to the store, it’s like $14.” For families trying to stretch every dollar, this sudden price surge is yet another blow in an economy already bruised by inflation.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that over 17 million egg-laying hens were culled in November and December alone due to the bird flu outbreak, severely crippling supply. To make matters worse, winter’s colder months naturally slow down egg production, cutting hen output by nearly half. As a result, egg prices are now 38% higher than they were a year ago.

While some stores like Albertsons have a limited supply of eggs, retailers like Walmart and Dollar General seem better stocked. Yet, shoppers like Dalyn Burns say the prices remain unaffordable: “This carton of 12 is like $8 or $9 bucks, which is almost like a dollar an egg. If it goes any higher, we’ll probably stop eating eggs in general. There is no need.”

In response, some retailers, including Smith’s, have placed limits on egg purchases, allowing only two cartons per customer. It’s a frustrating solution for those trying to provide for their families.

As shoppers endure the sticker shock, egg producers are calling on lawmakers to address the issue by developing vaccines to protect the nation’s poultry from future outbreaks. However, such solutions will take time, leaving Americans to navigate this crisis on their own for now.

This situation is more than a simple grocery inconvenience—it’s a stark reminder of how government policies, agricultural challenges, and market forces converge to affect the daily lives of hardworking Americans. How long will this crisis last? That remains to be seen.

Source: 8 News Now  

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