Drought expected to bring higher food prices

WILBRAHAM, Mass. (WWLP) - The record drought across the country is expected to lead to price increases.

The hottest July on record hit the country hard and the impact of the current drought will take several months to reach store shelves. And that reality of rising costs is already being dreaded.

“Yeah, but I learned a long time ago that things you don't have control of you just can't worry about it because prices are going to go up, they're going to go up, you just can't do anything about it,” said Jim Bloom of Springfield.

But this week will mark the beginning of Massachusetts Farmers' Market week. It's an option that has been growing in popularity.

“There's been a resurgence of local stuff, people wanting local produce, local foods and we've seen a big kick in terms of young people who really want to know where their food is coming from,” said farmers' market vendor Glenroy Buchanan.

While farmers markets aren't open as often as grocery stores, there's actually a smartphone app that you can use to locate one that's open and close to you.

The USDA anticipates food prices could rise an average of 3 to 4 percent next year. And the farmer's market down the street may end up being the more attractive option for people once those prices rise.

“You get better deals here, you don't have to worry about the shipping or where it's from, it's locally farmed. More often than not you can save, or even if you're paying the same, you're getting a better quality of product,” said Chuck Higgins of Wilbraham.

There are over 250 farmers' markets open this summer and fall across the state.