Grocery prices force some to skip Labor Day BBQ

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Labor Day weekend is a time when lots of people head to the grocery store to get ingredients for the last barbecue of summer. However, grocery prices this year have some people thinking twice.

Holly Reid of Southwest Philadelphia left the ACME in Bala Cynwyd holding a brown paper bag with a couple of chip bags peeking out from the top. Though they could have been a compliment to a Labor Day barbecue, for her, they were simply a snack.

"To me, Labor Day weekend is just another day," Reid said. She has no plans for a celebration.

Others leaving the store shared their intentions to avoid a cookout for Labor Day.

"No, I'm not grilling," said Natyra Johnson of Chester. "I'll probably go out because I don't know. I'm not doing it."

Many of the shoppers who spoke with Action News had a common reason for skipping the Labor Day barbecue: the price.

"The prices of food are terrible," said Margaret Hartman of West Philadelphia. "It's just terrible."

"A lot of stuff is overpriced," said Darryl Johnson of Winnfield.

Shoppers notice a spike in some groceries more than others.

"As far as meat prices, oh my goodness," said Darryl Johnson of Wynnfield.

According to an ABC News report citing figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ground beef prices rose 11.5%, and beef steak prices rose 12% compared to this time last year. It's caused some shoppers to rethink how much meat to put on the grill this Labor Day.

"I'm not really a beef eater," said Jacquelyn Leatherberry of Wynnfield. "I try to go more chicken or turkey. I'm trying to go vegan."

Looking at some of the commonly purchased items for Labor Day cookouts, here's what you could expect to spend. Our 6abc data team found ground beef stands at $6.25 a pound. American Cheese is $4.91 a pound. A 16-ounce bag of potato chips will cost you $6.80. Soft Drinks are averaging $ 2.20 for a two-liter bottle. Ice cream is listed at $6.37 for a half-gallon.

"I think it's overpriced," said Leatherberry. "I think it has a lot to do with the economy."

It's why some shoppers find more cost-effective ways to be a part of the cookout.

"They always have me make deviled eggs, usually," said Hartman, "and everybody brings something."

While many Americans still plan to grill, others will just chill, as sky-high prices force some to have a low-key Labor Day.

To save a little money, experts suggest going to grocery stores' websites and downloading the apps to look for deals.