By Bradly Gill
News Editor
Inflation has hit businesses and consumers hard as prices keep rising at the pump and grocery store.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "For the year ended April 2022, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 8.3 percent. Over that period, prices for food at home increased 10.8 percent, the largest 12-month percentage increase since the period ending November 1980. Prices for food away from home increased 7.2 percent for the year ended April 2022, the largest over-the-year percentage increase since an 8.0-percent increase in November 1981."
Miguel Mendoza of Allen's Restaurant said inflation has caused him to up the prices on the restaurant's menu.
"We have to change some prices. Many can't afford to eat out like they were. So many factors. Sometimes even though we explained why some prices won't be the same as on the menu, people get mad," Mendoza said.
Another Camden culinary institution that has been hit by inflation is Woods Place.
Owner James Woods said, "The costs have literally doubled over the same period a year ago. It's jut a whole new world we're in trying to deal with it."
In addition to food costs, Wood's Place travels extensively all across the state for catering jobs and this traveling had become more expensive with rising fuel costs
Woods said, "Most of our catering is out of town, but the customers seem to really understand that they have to pay an extra cost for our diesel. Everyone seems to be pretty understanding about it; they see it themselves at the grocery store. We're all in the same boat."
Arkansas gas prices averaged $4.04 a gallon for the week of May 18 up from $2.76 just a year ago.
Camden News readers were asked how inflation affected their spending habits.
"Planted food in every available space. Already pescatarian, we eat seafood once a week and some sort of beans the rest of the week," said Bobbie Murry Buckner.
"I can't drive to Camden from Dallas as much to see my family. I have to work extra shift for extra activities. It's not as bad as some people have it ,but everyone is feeling the effects," said Rice Kat.
"I'm saddened because now after paying bills I have to get household items and groceries and I can't get most of the things that are a necessity," said Anita Miller.
"Living paycheck to paycheck these days," said Ethan B.
"Buying less food for my family to pay bills," said Jenna Doherty.