More to the Story with Staley: Food Desert

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The cost of living continues to increase, and it’s affecting everybody. It’s no surprise that 67% of Americans are worried about it.

Food prices are near the “top of the charts.”

The cost of living refers to all the expenses a person must pay out in order to survive. Housing, clothing, transportation, and at the top of the list, food.

No matter where you live, be it Chattanooga, anywhere, we’re all trying to stretch our dollar.

But one personal finance expert believes technology is now a game changer. Considering that finding food, especially healthy food, can be a challenge for many.

“It can be! That’s why it’s great to use technology. Companies such as DoorDash can deliver and offer flexible options, even accepting EBT. It’s important for people who may live in a food desert. All of it is a great way to order groceries on demand,” said personal finance expert Jamila Souffrant.

Jamila Souffrant says all of the old standby tips still work. Buy in bulk if you can. Buy generic brands. Always buy with a list.

She says to pay attention as well, because food has experienced its most significant 12-month growth since April of 1979.

Souffrant says accordingly, technology can help ease the pain in your wallet.

“It should be easier. Everybody should have access to healthy food,” Souffrant added. “So, having a service you can order on your phone is where we need to go as a society. So good food is available to all people.”

Even with inflation, we here in our area don’t have it quite as bad as most other places. Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia are all in the top-12 states with the lowest cost of living.

To keep things in perspective, the latest survey indicates that here in Chattanooga, the cost of food is over 23% lower than the national average.