Bell Pepper (©photo by xandert, courtesy of morgueFile.com)

How do turmoil in the Middle East and a deep freeze in Mexico impact U.S. families?

These events will not only cause the rise in food prices to continue; they will change the way we eat, according to George Ball, chairman of national garden company W. Atlee Burpee & Co.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts the food inflation rate will increase by 3%. Given the volatile food market top economists contend this rate could be even higher. This would add more than $20 to the average monthly food bill for a family of four.

Although the average household now spends $2,658 on food served outside the home, families who looked to fast food restaurants for low-cost meals during the recession won’t be able to rely on the drive-thru in 2011. McDonald's, for example, recently said it might have to raise the cost of a Big Mac and other menu items by more than 2%.

Mr. Ball expects more Americans to turn to vegetable gardening now to offset food and soaring gas prices.

A pack of red pepper seeds will produce about 20 pepper plants each, producing 15 peppers per plant. Mr. Ball asks, “Would you rather pay $2.00 for one red pepper, or is it more sensible to grow $600 worth of red peppers in your own backyard for an investment of $4.95 in seeds?”

Home grown tomatoes, cucumbers and even lettuce result in similar savings. Mr. Ball added, “Saving money ‘growing your own’ will add value to not only your pocketbook, but also your taste buds and overall physical health. Gardening gets you—and your kids—outdoors.”

To have a look at the heirloom seeds & plants available from Mr. Ball’s company, go to: W. Atlee Burpee & Co.

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