Drought could hurt your wallet at the grocery store

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The drought may hurt your wallet on your next trip to the grocery store.

“I expect food prices within a year to go up another 20 to 25 percent," said Jaworski’s Meat Market owner Chris Jaworski.

According to Jaworski, the effects of the drought haven't hit his business yet, but believes within a year the lack of rain is going to force him to raise his prices, especially with one type of meat.

"The impact is going to be on beef," said Jaworski.

He believes his price increase will have a domino effect on his customers.

Robin Fisher owns a barbeque restaurant and visits Jaworski's four times a week to buy meat.

"I am picking up between two and four cases of rib tips," said Fisher.

Fisher said Jaworski's price raise will trickle down to his business as well.

"We are looking to raise prices at the end of the year or at the beginning of next year," said Fisher.

Jaworski has advice for families and business owners; switch to better value products when the meat sales dry up. "Poultry products aren't going to be too bad, because there is a very short turn around.”

Fisher is already following suit.

"We created a value menu,” said Fisher. “We have chicken wraps, grilled chicken breast sandwiches, we have regular chicken dinners, so we find ourselves selling those.”

Fisher also said he has no choice but to adapt or hope for more showers.

"I am praying for a lot of rain.”

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