Egg prices have surged in recent months, leaving many Southern California shoppers frustrated—and, in some cases, empty-handed. With shortages and rising costs at grocery stores, more residents are seeking alternatives by purchasing directly from local farms.
Stephanie Vickers, a resident of Rancho Cucamonga, shared with KTLA that the rising cost of eggs has made them a luxury she simply can’t justify buying.
“I honestly haven’t bought eggs since Thanksgiving,” she admitted.
The Role of Avian Flu in the Egg Crisis
The primary culprit behind these soaring prices is an ongoing outbreak of avian influenza, which first emerged in 2022. When a poultry farm detects the virus, standard protocol requires the entire flock to be culled to prevent further spread. Given that large-scale egg producers often house over a million hens, even a handful of cases can significantly disrupt supply.
With fewer eggs available, retailers have responded by limiting how many customers can buy.
Grocery Stores Enforce Limits on Egg Purchases
Major grocery chains have implemented purchase restrictions in an effort to prevent hoarding and ensure more shoppers can access eggs.
Trader Joe’s has introduced a strict policy limiting customers to a single dozen per visit. Whole Foods locations, including those in the Inland Empire, have gone a step further, allowing shoppers to purchase no more than three cartons at a time. Despite these measures, shelves are still often bare.
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“It all comes down to supply and demand,” explained KTLA Consumer Reporter David Lazarus. “The bird flu has devastated poultry populations, leading to fewer hens and, as a result, skyrocketing egg prices.”
Lazarus also pointed out that some stores are employing rationing tactics similar to those seen during the pandemic. He recommends shopping around for deals or considering alternatives like farmers markets.
Local Farms See Increased Demand
For those looking to bypass supermarket shortages, Southern California farms have become a reliable source for fresh eggs.
Rosemary Farm, which operates in Rancho Cucamonga, offers direct-to-consumer sales, allowing locals to purchase eggs right from the farm. Similarly, Maust Family Farms in Chino, a family-run operation since 1957, has seen an influx of customers. Many first-time buyers are discovering they had a local farm nearby all along.
Due to heightened demand, Maust Family Farms has placed a cap on purchases, allowing customers to buy up to 40 eggs per visit.
“This tray here holds two and a half dozen eggs,” farm owner Paul Maust explained to KTLA’s Shelby Nelson. “We package them in dozens, and right now, they’re priced at $7.25 per dozen. That makes this whole tray $17.95.”
Beyond price concerns, Maust highlights another advantage of buying directly from a farm: freshness. Unlike eggs shipped from out of state, which can sit in transit for weeks before reaching store shelves, local farm eggs are available almost immediately after being laid.
As egg shortages persist, more Southern Californians may turn to regional farms for their supply, finding a fresher and more reliable option than traditional grocery stores.
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