Overlooked reason for food price hikes

Re “Food prices eat deeper into wallets,” May 16

Your article offers a number of explanations for higher increases in grocery prices here compared to the rest of the nation, but it seems to ignore the elephant in the room. Local governments have affected the marketplace in ways that can only raise prices. Los Angeles city officials have already weighed in on the side of labor in the grocery workers’ contract negotiations. Living wage proposals are another tilt toward labor that will raise prices to cover increased costs. Increased labor costs will also raise the barrier of entry to newcomers in the market, thus decreasing competition over the longer term.

I personally think that markets work most efficiently without the intrusive hand of government. Others may believe that government has a role in managing the market. My concern is that the elephant’s presence needs to be acknowledged.

MICHAEL WEISS

Woodland Hills

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You cite federal statistics indicating a food price increase of 5.7% over the last 12 months in Southern California. Yet in your article, Wendy Diamond says she spends $100 more than the $300 a month she spent on food a year ago. That’s a 33% increase and matches my experience of 35% (and I have the spreadsheets to prove it). I don’t think federal statistics are giving a true picture of the situation.

MARK POYSER

Los Angeles