Whether it's a limited supply or a surge in production costs, the way we shop, to stock our refrigerators and pantries, has changed.
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At Fresno State's Gibson Farm Market, shelves contain locally sourced items.
"As local as they can from on campus," says Areanna Hernandez. "I know there are some things from off-campus and those, you want to make sure are the best while keeping a low cost."
Students are not only getting work experience running the store -- they're learning first-hand how inflation impacts the food industry and what it takes to keep costs low.
"It's a constant battle of being on your toes, understanding the market as it's changing, always and making sure you're getting the best for a decent price so that your end product is going to be priced at a decent price for your customers," Hernandez said.
That also means learning to make tough decisions -- with production costs outpacing demand, milk is no longer offered at the store.
"Milk has a short shelf life -- it's not going to last more than two weeks in your fridge," Hernandez said. "It's not going to last here as well."
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Though the consumer price index shows inflation starting to cool, household staples including butter, eggs and milk have yet to drop.
Ways you can save include comparing name-brand products to generic, looking at the price per unit instead of overall price and considering joining a grocery store's rewards program.
Larger grocery chains typically offer in-store and app-exclusive savings.
Savings may even be in your mailbox. Weekly ads from grocery chains show limited-time pricing and coupons.
There are also some credit cards that offer cash back on grocery purchases.
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