Marketplace All-in-One Food banks tackle summer break hunger
Jun 17, 2025
Matt Levin, a dedicated reporter at Marketplace, teams up with Daniel Ackerman, who covers retail trends for the same outlet. They delve into the pressing issue of summer break hunger as food banks struggle to fill the gap left by school meal programs. With severe USDA budget cuts and rising deportation fears, demand is skyrocketing. The conversation also touches on the impact of tariffs on baby product prices and the concerning decline in retail sales, shedding light on the intricate ties between food insecurity and economic challenges.
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Dollar Losing Its King Status
- The U.S. dollar's decline is causing businesses to consider being paid in other currencies like euros and pesos.
- Dollar dominance may wane abruptly which could disrupt U.S. and global financial markets.
Tariffs Shift Consumer Spending
- Consumers pulled forward purchasing in early 2025 to avoid tariffs, causing May retail sales to drop.
- With rising prices, shoppers focus on essentials and save more, reducing discretionary spending like dining out.
Chocolate Shop Navigates Uncertainty
- Kristen Talheimer Bingham's chocolate shop saw a 10% drop in foot traffic since before Mother's Day.
- She stocked up on chocolate early to manage price increases and is cautiously optimistic about the year.