In 2014 7.3 million Americans consider themselves vegetarian. But just how much damage, if any done at all, does being a vegetarian do to your wallet?
According to the USDA’s Food Price Outlook, the cost of meat has increased. Products such as beef, eggs, and pork are among some of the products that have seen an increase in supermarkets nationwide.
Coincidentally, vegetarianism is also on the rise in the U.S., with about 8 million adults considered themselves followers on the lifestyle. 7 percent of that 8 million had a household earning under $50,000.
A study published last year, compared the amount of money spent by meat eaters and those following a vegetarian diet. It was found that weekly, a person following a meat based diet spent about $53.11, compared to $38.75 for those following a plant based diet. In one year alone, $746.46 was spent on a vegetarian diet.
“I found that eating meat was more expensive,” said Dawn Hewitt, a Newhallville resident. “I usually bought pork or beef.”
Nationally, out of those who ate meat, 2 percent had an income in the $50,000-75,000 range. The average United States income is about $54,000. People who had below average incomes, were much more likely to be considered vegetarian compared to those who made above average, according to the Huffington Post.
“A vegetarian diet is not as expensive as people believe,” said nutritionist, Yvette Graffie-Cooper, “It’s really what you make of it.”
Graffie-Cooper suggests coming up with meal ideas ahead of time to save time and money at the grocery store. She also said looking at the weekly circular for grocery stores will let you know what they have on sale. She also advises to buy healthy foods in bulk, and also utilizing local farmer’s markets which are also cheaper.
“Things like beans and quinoa in bulk are much cheaper than buying individually. It also has a lot more serving,” Cooper-Graffie said.
City Seed is New Haven’s local farmer’s market. It is also apart of the city’s effort to combat their reputation as a food desert.
During the winter months, the farmer’s market is located indoors at the Metropolitan Business Academy. Beginning in about May, different locations around New Haven are chosen as spots for set up.
City Seed also accepts SNAP, or food stamps.
“This makes it easier for families living in New Haven to have access to fresh food, especially those considering a vegetarian lifestyle,” Graffie-Cooper said.
As for the distance, the closest location of the farmer’s market to Newhallville is about a 30 minute walk, or 15 minute drive. Graffie-Cooper says this is another barrier.
“Not everyone has access to these markets, especially those in the heart of the food desert.”
Q Reporting 