Eggs, once an undisputed symbol of American breakfasts and impromptu snacks, today seem like a rarity as well as a luxury. In the midst of an inflation that is driving up prices worldwide and has hit foods particularly hard–not just in the USA–this basic staple has turned into a sought-after culinary delicacy. The solution to cope with costs and shortages, at least according to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, would be to buy a chicken.
In an interview on the Fox & Friends Weekend program, Rollins enthusiastically expressed the idea of tackling the crisis in the most natural way possible. She suggested that those who can should buy themselves a “hen” to ensure a steady supply of eggs at home.
The idea, which has made many smile and perhaps even annoyed some, was described by Rollins herself as “fantastic.” If you can’t afford the rising prices, she began, “why not return to the roots and fresh eggs straight from your garden?”
This “homemade” vision comes at a difficult time, with egg prices in some cases soaring by 65% compared to the previous year. The price hike has sparked heated debates, with White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt blaming the Biden administration for contributing, at least partially, to the problem. According to Leavitt, the fault lies in the handling of the animal shortage caused by the avian flu outbreak, coupled with questionable agricultural policies that led to the “massive culling” of over 100 million chickens, resulting in a scarcity of eggs.
Meanwhile, although some may prepare to turn their garden into a chicken coop, others will likely be asking when this emergency will end. Until a solution is found, it may indeed make more sense to put aside the budget for eggs and start saving to buy a chicken.
