As the result of the avian flu, prices for a dozen eggs have increased to $6 on the mainland and $8 in Hawaii over the last few months. Because of this outbreak, there may be as much as a 4 percent decrease in egg production this year, said a Department of Agriculture analyst, according to aol.com.
Cdc.gov explained avian flu as such: “Type A viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred.”
BYU–Hawaii food service gave the response for the price of eggs increasing. “Egg prices are expected to continue to rise as producers scramble to respond to the ongoing shortage caused by the avian flu,” said Chef Spencer Tan. “The latest news we got for how long till eggs price getting back is about the next three months. From our vendor, we know the price will not drop down soon, and now eggs are triple the price than before.”
However, he continued, egg prices increasing will not impact the price of meal plans in the cafeteria, but the staff will be more concerned about what they plan on the menus. He said they may serve fewer eggs than before.
For students who live in Hale One or Hale Ten, or students who live off campus who don’t have the meal plans in cafeteria, the food price increase is especially problematic.
Miranda Lee, a junior majoring in English from Oregon, said, “Because I live in Hale Ten, I think food price increasing affects us more than other students on campus because we do have to cook for ourselves, and we have to go to the stores to buy our own food. We don’t pay flat rate for meal plans like other students on campus do, so I think it makes life a little bit harder for us.”
Lee mentioned she does not have eggs every day, but they are good for breakfast when she has time to make them. Definitely, she purchased eggs whenever she can. “I think I am still going to buy them if I am craving eggs.”
“I noticed the egg price changing last week, and I heard that this is the worst outbreak of bird flu in U.S. history, which is causing egg prices to rise dramatically,” said Lindi Bradford, a junior majoring in EXS from Oregon, who also lives in Hale Ten.
“I eat eggs at least five times a week. I love eating eggs in the morning, but I am probably going to eat them more sparingly. Students who live in Hale Ten have their own kitchen. I think it is still cheaper to cook for yourself, although the price of eggs price is increasing.”
Bradford also added, “I don’t think my parents have noticed because they haven’t said anything about it. If they do, I don’t think it will stop them [from buying eggs].”