Dominicans in Washington Heights struggle with rising food prices

New York.- Dominican residents of Washington Heights have voiced growing frustration over the rising cost of living in New York, saying that high prices for essential goods and stagnant wages are making it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities.

During visits to local supermarkets, many expressed concern about steep grocery prices — including rice, eggs, chicken, and bread — and warned that the possible suspension of federal food assistance programs in November, due to the government shutdown, could worsen their situation.

Residents shared their struggles, noting that a 50-pound bag of rice costs nearly US$24, milk sells for up to US$5.39, and meat prices range from US$2.24 to US$2.99 per pound. “If they take away this aid, we don’t know what we’ll do,” one woman said, while others lamented that “prices are sky-high and wages are rock-bottom,” describing the current economic conditions as “very difficult.”