According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), this year's Independence Day festivities will bear the weight of the swelling inflation, making them pricier than usual for our fellow Americans. The specter of inflation has been a constant ordeal for our citizens during President Joe Biden's first term. It's a sobering reality evident in the consumer price index (CPI), which has skyrocketed by an astonishing 20% since 2021.

Regrettably, the grip of inflation has not loosened on the commodities that Americans traditionally enjoy on our beloved Fourth of July. AFBF recently released its analysis, and the findings may indeed paint our national holiday in less vibrant colors. The cherished pastime of grilling succulent meals is now a more expensive endeavor.

On average, the simple pleasure of savoring two pounds of ground beef at your family barbeque will set us back about $12.77. We have observed an 11% increase from last year's prices. Moreover, the humble, yet necessary, hamburger buns have climbed by 7% in the last year.

Likewise, the refreshing tang of a 2.5 quart bottle of lemonade, a traditional accompaniment to our grand feast, now costs around $4.19, marking a 12% surge. The joy of enjoying a juicy portion of pork chops, a staple of the American barbeque, has escalated by nearly 8% to almost $15.50.