Rising food prices across the Navajo Nation, a growing concern for residents

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK – Across the Navajo Nation, residents are facing increasing food prices that are straining household budgets and raising concerns about access to affordable essentials. From Kayenta to Crownpoint, high costs for basic items like milk, bread, and eggs are becoming more pronounced, particularly in remote communities with limited grocery options.

In Tsaile, the price for a gallon of milk recently reached as high as $7.19 plus tax. This mirrors a trend seen throughout the Navajo Nation where remote locations and limited suppliers drive up the cost of everyday goods. Most stores rely on distant suppliers, often located in major cities like Albuquerque or Amarillo, Texas, with transportation costs, supplier fees, and regulations contributing to these steep prices.

Many residents have voiced frustration about these rising prices. “Why are we paying so much for basic items?” asked Kelly Ward, a concerned citizen in Tsaile. “It feels like we’re being taken advantage of.”

Food distribution program

In response to these challenges, programs like the Navajo Department of Health’s Food Distribution Program are working to provide vital support. The program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on an 80% cost share with the Navajo Nation, plays a crucial role in ensuring families have access to nutritious food. “Each site orders food for their warehouses based on the number of participants enrolled, plus an additional 10% to accommodate new applicants,” explained Zonnie Owens, the Food Distribution Program supervisor at the Kirtland Warehouse.

Residents must apply to participate in the program, as eligibility is determined by residency and income. “We don’t have an application on the website,” Owens noted. “But people can call the warehouses to have one sent to them, or they can email or file the application in person. There’s also an interview process that needs to happen.”

The distribution process varies depending on the location. Some warehouses, including Kirtland, have adapted their operations in response to COVID-19 by implementing drive-up services. Owens added, “Here at Kirtland, we’re still doing drive-up services.”

Beyond the grocery stores

While the Kirtland warehouse is located about 10 miles from the city of Farmington, grocery store access remains limited for many other Navajo communities, making the program’s role even more critical. The Food Distribution Program operates seven warehouses across the Navajo Nation, each serving a unique region and addressing the logistical challenges of food distribution in rural areas.

The issue of rising food prices extends beyond grocery stores. Inflation, supply chain disruptions, and global events like the war in Ukraine have contributed to nationwide increases. The USDA reported a 5.8% food price increase in 2023, driven by high energy costs and production issues such as diseases affecting poultry and egg supplies. These factors are exacerbated in remote areas like the Navajo Nation, where fewer suppliers and higher gas prices further compound the problem.

Dependency on distant suppliers

Many community members are calling for more support from both local and federal governments to address these economic challenges. For some, this means encouraging local farming initiatives to reduce dependency on distant suppliers. Others are advocating for improved infrastructure to lower transportation costs or regulatory changes to allow for more competitive pricing.

For those in need, the Food Distribution Program offers a lifeline, ensuring access to essential goods while navigating the challenges of rising costs and rural isolation. Owens emphasized the program’s commitment to serving the community despite these obstacles, saying, “We’re here to support our people, and we’re doing everything we can to meet their needs.”

As inflation continues to rise, long-term solutions will be needed to ensure access to affordable food and to ease the financial burden on Navajo families. For now, programs like the food program remain indispensable, helping to bridge the gap for families struggling with the realities of high food prices.

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