Grocery Prices Surge Amid Oil and Fertilizer Hikes
Grocery prices jumped 0.7% in April, marking the largest monthly increase since early 2022, driven by a 50% rise in oil prices and a 20% increase in fertilizer costs due to the Strait of Hormuz closure. Supply chain disruptions continue to pressure food costs. (Source: Newsweek)
Source: Newsweek — May 20, 2026
Tomato Prices Skyrocket 39% Amid Rising Costs
Fresh vegetable prices climbed 11.5% over the past year, with tomato prices soaring 39% due to rising diesel costs (up 60%), tariffs, and weather-related shortages. Seafood prices also rose 6.2%, hitting perishable goods hardest. (Source: ABC News)
Source: ABC News — May 13, 2026
This Week’s 3-Ingredient Recipe: Hearty Lentil and Carrot Stew
Rinse lentils and combine with chopped carrots and diced onion in a pot with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils and carrots are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy warm.
Budget Note: Using dry lentils and root vegetables keeps costs low; onions and carrots store well and provide flavor without relying on more expensive fresh produce like tomatoes.
From The Vault: Mock Turtle Soup (Victorian Era)
A soup that pretends to be turtle, without the turtle!
Boil the calf’s head until tender and shred the meat, discarding bones. Simmer the beef broth with onion, mace, and Madeira wine, then add the shredded meat and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, heat through, and serve hot as a luxurious turtle soup substitute.
Victorians created ‘Mock Turtle Soup’ to imitate pricey turtle soup using more accessible calf’s head meat.