LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Rising fuel prices are creating a domino effect across many industries, including our food supply.
Amy Tabor is the general manager of the Open Harvest Co-op in Lincoln and says her worries over gas prices don’t stop at the pump.
From writing compensation strategy to board meetings, she usually enjoys the variety her role brings, but wishes some things would stay more consistent, like distribution costs.
It is typically a flat set fee, but she anticipates it could rise very soon.
“Everything that comes to our store is on our shelf, comes on a truck multiple times a week, and so those costs do get passed on to us, and we do have to pass those on to consumers,” said Tabor.
She predicts that the price of produce may go up first, even despite buying locally and within 200 miles of her store.
Although buying local means less mileage for delivery trucks, the concern is over the fuel-driven equipment used to harvest the fruits and vegetables they purchase.
“Things that are going up just a little bit, we can absorb some of that, but ultimately, you know, we have to run a business that makes money,” said Tabor.
She says that when this could happen depends on how long the war lasts, predicts a price increase around the six-month mark, and is planning accordingly.
“If we see organic prices go up to a point where people aren’t going to buy them, we explore options,” said Tabor.
“Just being flexible to fill a need or a customer demand without saying, ‘ Nope, we’re only going to sell organic. It’s such a dance when it comes to being able to offer high-quality foods, but also things that people can afford.”
Her advice to shoppers amid uncertainty is to stay flexible with their shopping lists.
“If the thing they have [on their list] is not on the shelf, you know we have a great line of basic items that are everyday low prices. We have sales, so shop your sales. Be flexible,” said Tabor.
She also spoke about packaging, such as the bags many of her apples come in, saying they are oil-based.
Tabor mentioned this may prompt more paper-bagged produce.
