Opinion: Let’s talk about grocery prices

In this op-ed, Christina Jones,Deputy of Canvassing for For Our Future PA, highlights the rising cost of groceries. Jones emphasizes her team’s year-round efforts to address these issues and support candidates like Kamala Harris and Bob Casey, who prioritize working families over corporate greed.

We have to talk about the price of groceries. Have you noticed less diapers in a pack but the cost hasn’t gone down? Have you seen less cookies in a box, but you’re not paying less? 

You’re right. And Senator Bob Casey has aptly called this greedflation and shrinkflation.

The cost of groceries is emblematic of the issues facing everyday Americans– a real, tangible problem with real, tangible solutions. One that should transcend politics, but in fact does not, because out of touch billionaires are too fixated on their bottom line. 

As the Deputy Voter Contact Director at For Our Future Pennsylvania, my team and I talk with Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth about the issues that matter most to them. And the cost of living – specifically groceries – is one of the top issues we are hearing at the doors and on the phones. We do this organizing work year round, not just around elections, so that we build a sustainable program that is rooted in issues and building towards lasting change. 

Right now, we are currently laser-focused on ensuring electoral victories for the candidates that we know will move our nation forward: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, along with Bob Casey and a strong ticket of Democrats. But before and after November 5th, our organization is deeply committed to systemic change that will last beyond any one election. 

Back to groceries. While the progress we have made under the Biden-Harris administration is undeniable (and in fact our economy was brought back from the brink of collapse), people need more, and they need it now. Unfortunately, right wing extremists like Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Dave McCormick haven’t a clue about what it’s like to have to decide between groceries or gas for the week. 

In fact, it’s not quite clear that Trump and his running mates actually have any clue how to purchase or interact with groceries. 

Dave McCormick went to Wawa and bought what he claimed was a “Big Gulp.”

JD Vance has no clue how to buy donuts (or interact with human beings).

And let’s not forget that Donald Trump literally threw paper towels at hurricane victims.

These out of touch wealthy right wingers have no idea what’s actually impacting the lives of everyday Americans. 

But fortunately, there are candidates running for office that do, and they actually have proposals to bring about the tangible change we need: Kamala Harris. Tim Walz. Bob Casey. 

In fact, the cost of groceries has been at the forefront of the Harris-Walz and Casey agendas. Bob Casey has championed stopping greedflation and shrinkflation, where he rightfully calls out the tricks wealthy corporations are trying to pull on consumers. And Kamala Harris has been very clear that price gouging will stop on her watch.

But this is not just rhetoric. These commitments outlined by Harris and Casey are actually backed up by plans. Not the “concepts of a plan.” Actual steps to end the corporate greed and price gouging that burden workers while enriching wealthy bosses. 

This is just one example of the contrast between Vice President Harris and Previously Fired Donald Trump. Between Senator Casey and Connecticut Dave McCormick.

The future I envision for myself, my family, and our neighbors that we talk to each day is one that everyone has a fair shot. One where we build and grow towards an inclusive society where everyone has the freedom and opportunity to thrive. A society where corporations don’t have more rights than I do. I believe in a better tomorrow. And I believe Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, and Bob Casey will help move us forward. 

Kamala Harris reminds us all that “we’re not going back.” Meanwhile, Donald Trump vows to be a “dictator on day one.” Let’s believe them and vote accordingly.