ATLANTA – The cost of food is a major concern for many Americans right now.

FOX 5 Atlanta asked its Facebook followers over the weekend if high grocery prices were a cause for concern and if the price increases had affected their lives. More than 2,000 comments had been posted by Monday morning, with the vast majority of people saying they were definitely feeling the pinch from rising grocery prices, sometimes literally.

Food prices have been rising for decades, but it wasn’t until 2020 that a real rebound began. Since then, prices have risen at rates not seen since the late 1970s and early 1980s. Prices for meat, poultry, fish and eggs overall, as well as grains and baked goods, rose the fastest, by 26.9% and 27.8%, respectively.

Food prices will continue to rise in 2024, but at a slower pace than last year. In 2023, food prices rose by 5.0%, well below the 11.4% increase in 2022. However, the price increase in 2023 was still higher than the historical annual average of 2.5% between 2003 and 2022. This increase was due to factors such as supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. Overall food prices are forecast to decline slightly by 0.4% in 2024, with the range of possible outcomes ranging from a 4.5% decline to a 4.0% increase.

Overall, the year-on-year inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, fell to 5.6% in June 2024, from 5.9% in May. This was the lowest level since October 2021, although a similar rate of 5.7% has been reached several times since the beginning of 2024.

Earlier this year, fast-food restaurants, many of which already offered value meals, began introducing specials, typically priced around $5, in the hope of winning back customers who stopped eating out because of the price increases. However, not everyone is convinced that this will work. According to Fast Company’s Ellie Stevens, the value meals may be “too little, too late.” But some consumers are happy to have the meals because they give them another way to feed their families.

Offers for fast food restaurants:

Arby’s is offering the $5 Mix ‘N Match deal which includes a choice of 3 items including Ranch Chicken Wrap, BBQ Chicken Wrap, Honey Mustard Chicken Wrap, Roast Beef Slider, Jalapeno Roast Beef Slider, Chicken Slider, Buffalo Chicken Slider, Curly Fries, Crinkle Fries and a drink. Learn more.

Burger King is offering the $5 “Your Way Meal Deal,” which includes the choice of a Whopper Jr., a Bacon Cheeseburger, or a Chicken Jr., along with fries, 4 chicken nuggets, and a soft drink.

Checkers and Rally The 5 for $5 meal deal includes a Cheese Double Burger or Spicy Chicken Sandwich, 8 white meat chicken bites, a small order of Famous Seasoned Fries, a 16 oz soft drink and a cinnamon apple pie. Learn more.

KFC offers the $5 Taste of KFC deal, which includes 2 pieces of dark meat chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a bun. KFC also offers the $30 8 Piece Chicken and 8 Tenders Fill-Up deal. Learn more.

Crystal is offering a $4.99 deal that includes 2 original Krystals, a small order of fries, and a small drink. Learn more.

McDonald’s The $5 meal includes a choice of McDouble or McChicken, 4 Chicken McNuggets, small fries and a small soft drink. Learn more.

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s offer deals like 2 chicken tender wraps for $5 at Hardee’s and 2 for $6 at Carl’s Jr. Carl’s Jr. also has the new More Bang, Less Buck savings menu that offers several items for under $4 including 4 new single patty burgers, a spicy chicken sandwich, 6 chicken entrees, small natural cut fries, a small foundtain drink, chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cake. Hardee’s offers two breakfast wraps for $5 and the Original Bag Combo for $5.99 which includes 2 entrees from a limited selection, small fries and a small soft drink. Learn more.

Wendy’s: 2 Biggie Packs for $3, a 4 for 4 meal deal and a Biggie Bag for $5. The 2 for $3 Biggie Packs feature a choice of Sausage Roll, Egg & Cheese Roll, English Sausage & Cheese Muffin, Small Seasoned Potato and Hot Coffee. The 4 for $4 meal deal includes a Jr. Cheeseburger, Jr. Hot & Crispy Fries, 4 Chicken Nuggets and a small soft drink of your choice. The $5 Biggie Bag includes a choice of Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or Crispy Chicken Sandwich, 4 Chicken Nuggets, Jr. Hot & Crispy Fries and a small soft drink. For just $1 or $2 more you can choose from 3 sandwich options including a Double Stack, Crispy Chicken BLT or Bacon Double Stack.

Plus, get 6 free nuggets with any purchase made through the mobile app on Wendy’s Wednesday. Learn more.

Subway: A From August 26 through September 8, there is a two-week deal on 12-inch sandwiches for $6.99. Customers can order any 12-inch sandwich on the menu for $6.99. That’s a little less than half the price of most 12-inch sandwiches. Customers must use promo code 688FL in the Subway app or website to receive the deal. Subway is also offering a value menu of 12-inch snacks for $5 and less. Learn more.

Taco Bell: Luxe Cravings Box for $7, which includes a Chalupa Supreme, a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, a Double Stacked Taco, chips with nacho cheese sauce, and a medium soft drink.

Coming soon: Detailed look at prices, local grocery store comparisons, and how to save money on dining out

Other restaurants:

Applebee’s: 2 for $25 menu deal where customers can choose between two main dishes and one appetizer or two side salads. Choose between two main dishes and one appetizer or two side salads. Appetizers include boneless chicken wings, crispy onion rings, mozzarella sticks, spinach artichoke dip and two side salads. Choices include chicken tenders, classic cheeseburger, classic burger and grilled chicken breast. Other options are available for an additional charge ($1.50 to $4.50 depending on the main dish). This deal was formerly known as the 2 for $20 deal. Learn more.

Denny’s offers all-day diner meals for $5.99, including options like Scrambled Eggs & Cheddar Breakfast, Super Slam, and All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes. Learn more.

Chilies: The 3 for Me menu offers 12 choices starting at $10.99. Each offering includes a drink, appetizer and entree. Choices include the Just Bacon Burger, Big Smasher Burger, Double Oldtimer with Cheese, Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas, Cilantro-Lime Carne Asada, 6 oz. Classic Sirloin, Oldtimer with Cheese, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Cajun Shrimp Pasta, 3-Pack Nashville Hot Crispers Combo, 3-Pack Crisper Combo, 3-Pack Honey-Chipotle Chrispers Combo. Prices range from $10.99 to $16.99. Learn more.

Pizza Hut: My Hut Box starting at $6.99 and the Deal Lover’s Menu for $7. The My Hut Box starting at $6.99 features your choice of a 2-topping pizza with a serving of French fries or 4 boneless chicken wings and a 20-oz drink. The $7 menu selection includes a medium 1-topping pizza, Meat Lover’s Melt, Pepperoni Lover’s Melt, Chicken Bacon Parmesan Melt, Buffalo Chicken Melt, 8 breaded boneless chicken wings, a double serving of breadsticks, roasted garlic cheese sticks, bacon cheddar cheese sticks, cheese sticks, oven-baked cheese Alfredo pasta, oven-baked Italian meat pasta, oven-baked vegetarian pasta, chocolate donut bites, Cinnabon mini rolls and a 4-pack of Pepsi. Learn more.

Robin: Offering Monster Monday deals and a $10 gourmet cheeseburger deal on Tuesday. Learn more.

NOTE: These offers may not be available in every restaurant and prices may vary slightly by region. Other restrictions not listed here may also apply. Always ask before ordering.

OTHER SOURCES