Inflation is surging and people are hopping mad

“You have chicken, which is the cheapest thing you can buy — $11,” Rink says in exasperation. “Not a family pack, mind you. A regular pack. Everything has increased.”

According to the government’s tally, chicken prices in October were 8.8% higher than a year ago. Beef and pork prices have climbed even more.

Energy prices are among the biggest drivers of inflation. Rink is paying almost 50% more for gasoline now than she did a year ago, and 28% more for the natural gas that she uses to heat her house.

“It’s supposed to be a really cold winter,” she says. “Do I keep a roof over my head? Or do I pay to stay warm?”