Ethanol boom raises costs for range of products

YaVONDA SMALLS, South Bend Tribune Staff Writer

These days, Mary Presnell can sum up her visit to the grocery store in one word. "Yuck," the Mishawaka resident said with a light laugh. "I don't want to go, but we have to eat, so let's get in there and get out."

More of today's consumers are sharing the same sentiment as they notice a gradual rise in the prices they pay for basic groceries -- meat, eggs and milk.

"Everything goes up with the wages," Presnell said. "It's really hard. It's really hard to shop any more."

What's causing the rise?

Ethanol plants are increasing their demand for corn -- the most cost-efficient raw material used in the United States to make the alternative renewable fuel. As this demand drives up the cost of livestock, it's translating into higher food prices for consumers.