Grocery Prices

Re “Mergers, Food and Fears,” editorial, Aug. 5:

Food prices are getting higher not only because of store mergers, but also due to the gimmicks the stores are initiating that are used by relatively few customers but tend to raise prices for everyone.

I am referring to double coupons, gift certificates which are sold at 5%-7% discounts to various schools, churches and other organizations and the latest, use of credit cards for food purchases, which costs the markets 2%-3% of sales. All these costs are not absorbed by the markets but are reflected in the prices.

We all should know there is no free lunch, and these costs are paid for by higher prices for all, not only the few who use these services.

HENRY KAPLAN

Los Angeles