Hillsdale County residents are taking advantage of local alternatives, as Michigan’s food prices increased nearly 14% in the last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The increase in state food prices surpassed the national average by about 5%.

Locals are turning to the Hillsdale County Farmers Market, which offers a venue where local producers sell bread, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and much more. Colleen Fadden, who shops at the market, says she saves money by purchasing fresh local products.

Fadden said she loves the fall weather, but hates the time of year because it means markets and gardens start closing down. She said she visits the grocery store more frequently now that prices have risen, but she buys less per trip so that individual bills are smaller. 

Local resident Katie Stockdale said price increases affect her family’s decisions, such as when to buy seasonal food, how much to drive, and whether to buy non essential items.

“You quickly realize that you don’t actually need certain things,” Stockdale said. “We strategically time our gas tanks to empty at the same time so that we can simultaneously use our gas discount at Kroger to maximize our savings. In-season food is cheaper due to greater abundance, so we try to shop according to the time of year.”

A vendor at the farmers market, Ted Landel, sells succulents and cacti. He said rising prices aren’t just affecting shoppers; they’re also damaging the farming industry because farms’ resource costs are increasing, but their revenue is not. The USDA estimates the price of farmland has increased by about 14%, or $650 per acre, over the past year.

“I’m opting for the store brand as opposed to my favorite small business that I normally support, because it’s not cost effective anymore,” Jessi Snyder, another farmer’s market shopper, said. “I have a family, and when you’re feeding a whole family, you have to figure out how to stretch your dollar.”

Hillsdale County is home to about 750 businesses, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Small businesses could lose customer support in favor of larger businesses.

Residents have a few suggestions for reducing spending to counteract inflated prices. Fadden proposed planting gardens and shopping locally. Landel is turning to Dollar Tree for dry goods. Snyder hunts and preserves meat. 

Price hikes, however, may not continue forever. International Monetary Fund data shows inflation rates may have hit their peak this year, and predicts rates will drop as sharply as they rose.