Inflation forcing people in Cape Coral to cut costs

People all over the country are feeling those impacts of inflation, including us here in Southwest Florida.

No matter where we look, we see higher prices. Gas is over $4 a gallon, and groceries are up 10% or more.

“It’s absolutely terrible. You can’t you’re spending $100 a week or more in groceries. Never mind the gas. It’s ridiculous,” said John Bercier of Cape Coral.

Drivers said they’re trying to drive less to save money. For Kevin Dahl, he’s spending less time on the water.

“When you look at it, I’m going to go fishing because it’s going to cost me $200 in fuel to do it? Nah, maybe. I’ll stay home today. You know if the weather isn’t perfect,” said Dahl.

Other people say forget about going out. It’s hard enough to pay for food at home.

“We’re growing stuff out of our own garden now. But it’s been, I don’t think we would have done this a couple years ago,” said Ed Fisher of Cape Coral.

When the pandemic hit, food banks got hit hard. The executive director at Midwest Food Bank, Karl Steidinger, said he is seeing another spike due to inflation.

“There are those that are trying to decide if they’re going pay their electric bill, if they’re going to put gas in their car so they can get to work, or if they’re going to buy groceries. And we want to take that decision off the table,” said Steidinger.

Midwest’s warehouse is well-stocked. The bigger question is how to get food for those who need it.

“Some of the things we’ve tried to do is look closer to home for food so that we can try to find new donors that are closer to home, so we don’t have to go as far to pick up product to bring back to the warehouse for distribution,” said Steidinger.

President Joe Biden calls inflation the biggest challenge American families face.

“I want every American to know that I’m taking inflation very seriously and it’s my top domestic priority,” said Biden.

The president knows the prices must come down, but the people WINK News spoke to have their doubts he can make that happen.

“I don’t have much faith in anything Washington is going to do. I think it’s Biden’s policies are why we are where we are,” said Fisher.