Prop. 12 is behind egg price spikes
Picture the frustration of wandering the aisles of your local grocery store, only to realize that the one item you need for your family's breakfast — a carton of eggs — is nowhere to be found. Or worse, finding a carton of eggs that's $7 or more that you're unable to afford this staple.
This is not a hypothetical scenario.
Frighteningly, it's a hardship that California consumers are experiencing in grocery aisles across the state and it's being caused by Proposition 12 (Prop. 12) — the misguided animal housing law that is having a major impact on egg prices and supply. As reported recently in the news, the bird flu outbreak and Prop. 12 are causing shoppers to pay exorbitant prices for eggs, if they're able to find eggs at all, and this is a preview of what's to come.
California's Prop. 12 requires that egg-laying hens, breeding pigs, and veal calves be housed in a specific type of living space. While the new law does not yet impact pork sold in California, it is in full effect for eggs and Golden State consumers are beginning to feel the consequence — with more, and worsening, impacts after this misguided law is fully implemented for pork.
This is what the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce has been warning about for over a year; and it's why we joined with the California Restaurant Association, California Grocers Association, California Retailers Association and a family food processor in a lawsuit asking the Sacramento Superior Court to delay the implementation of Prop. 12 until July 1, 2023
As we've warned in our lawsuit, Prop. 12 disproportionately impacts our most-vulnerable Californians — ranging families enrolled in federal assistance programs that are limited by price guidelines for food staples to food banks serving our neediest populations.
What's worse, overall food prices are at their highest and there is no relief in sight. According to Congressional Research Services in its report on U.S. Food Price Inflation and Agriculture Policy, U.S. food price inflation has accelerated in 2022, experiencing the largest 12-month increase between April 2021 and April 2022 since 1981.
What's worse, a recent Feeding America listening initiative titled Elevating Voices to End Hunger Together gathered input from 36,000 individuals across all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and found that 75% of survey respondents report making big trade-offs — impossible choices — to afford food.
Prop. 12 supporters, many of which are driving an antimeat and plant-based agenda, are trying to shove the current crisis under the rug by claiming it's simply a minimal inconvenience of Prop. 12.
The problem is, however, that most people do not have the means to afford paying luxury prices for eggs and other fresh foods, and it's a shame that our most-vulnerable populations are being forced to shoulder the consequences of those who could pay luxury prices for eggs and pork.
It's why the Food Equity Alliance, a statewide coalition of California grocery stores, restaurants, business organizations, food processors, and food equity advocates, has been working tirelessly on this issue to ensure there is equitable access to safe, fresh and affordable foods for all.
Huevos rancheros, pork carnitas or bacon should not be luxury foods, beyond the reach of the average hard working Californian — all families deserve access to affordable food.