Farmers will grow what their customers demand. However, regulations pushed by activists can take away our freedom to make food choices that are best for us, especially for those who can least afford it.

When we’re shivering through five layers of clothing in the winter, it can be difficult to remember what we love so much about living in Iowa.

However, there’s good news for us winter warriors who appreciate the Midwest's lower cost of living: A recent study found that Iowa is the second cheapest state to purchase food. 

Iowa households spend an average of $227.31 per week on groceries, according to HelpAdvisor, analyzing the U.S. Census Bureau Household Study. This is less than the national average of $270.21 per week, or about $1,080 per month, the study found.

Food costs are highest in the warm weather states that many Iowans travel to in the winter: California, Florida, Nevada, Texas and Arizona.

Specifically, California households spend an average of $297.72 per week on groceries. That’s $70 a week, or $280 per month, more than what we spend in Iowa.

For me, that extra $280 a month helps pay for childcare. For someone else, that could be money for fuel to drive to work, to pay a utility bill, to buy medication or — if you’re fortunate enough — to travel to a warmer climate in the winter.

Iowa farm families work hard every day to provide nutritious, affordable food for all. However, as more people live in cities and are further removed from agriculture, farmers face new challenges to growing our food.

The latest Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index, conducted by the Harris Poll, found that 77% of Iowa grocery shoppers are concerned about government regulation that increases food costs.

Recently, California enacted regulations, pushed by animal rights activists, that could impact how pigs are raised across the United States. Unfortunately, the regulations aren’t backed by science, and even California ag officials say it won’t benefit farm animal well-being. 

It will, however, make pork more expensive. Economists estimate it will raise pork prices by 8% in California and cost California consumers about $320 million. 

In the weeks before the law went into effect Jan. 1, California shoppers reported a surge in pork prices and shortages in grocery stores.

Of course, we all want to ensure that farm animals have a good quality of life. We also value our freedom to choose, to make food choices that are best for our families and lifestyles. 

Farmers will grow what their customers demand. However, regulations pushed by activists can take away our freedom to choose, especially for those who can least afford it, including older adults, people with disabilities and families living on limited budgets.

Just some food for thought as we (not so patiently) watch the snow melt this spring.

Enjoy the warmer weather! We are so close to spring planting season!

Teresa Bjork 

Editor, Family Living