Quick post: Inflation Frustration= More Motivation for Home Grown Produce

The National Inflation Association is an organization that believes the largest financial crisis is yet to come, and is dedicated to preparing Americans for hyperinflation, aiming to help people survive and even prosper in the difficult times ahead. Taking such a stance, it's no surprise that press releases from the NIA are of a sobering bent. For instance, a recent warning notes how while disaster looms, our population at large pulls on the blinders of the superficial; instead of educating ourselves about the economic issues that invariably shape our lives, we get sucked into frivolous wonder about the likes of  Lindsey Lohan. Even more substantial distractions, like the startling situation in Greece, serves as a sort of denial when we fail to examine our own markets and trends. But this post wasn't meant to scare-monger, and the the NIA clearly has great intentions. You can't argue with the facts, though they're up for interpretation. In my Kindergarten teacher/Pollyanna kind of way, I couldn't help but take some of the facts and try to wave them as a little encouraging "pat on the back" for all of us in trying to grow our own food, or support others who do so locally. According to NIA data, the food inflation upswing has been painfully sharp, spiraling out of control beyond anticipation. You've probably noticed this on your grocery bill...I know we have!

Here are some of the most shocking year-over-year price increases in the U.S. marketshttp://www.wendymcmillanwriter.com/blog/wp-admin/post-new.php:

* Fresh and dry vegetables up 56.1% * Fresh fruits and melons up 28.8% * Eggs for fresh use up 33.6% * Beef and veal up 10.7% * Dairy products up 9.7%

For me, all this adds up to two key conclusions: 1) we've got a responsibility to be informed and proactive, and 2) growing at home/supporting locally grown food is healthy for your wallet as well as for you! So give yourself an extra bit of affirmation and say "good job self" for the time and effort you're already putting in. Payback extends to everything.  For more info,  check out the National Inflation Association particularly these articles, "Inflation is the Only Vitally Important Economic Issue" and "US Food Inflation Spiraling Out of Control".