Like something out of a fairy tale, two million eggs are on their way to Dallas-Fort Worth as part of a settlement with the state following accusations of price gouging during the pandemic. At least 50,000 dozen eggs are expected to arrive in the area, in response to Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit alleging a 300% price increase for the food during the pandemic. “This comes at a time when we’re trying to restock for the people we serve, and it will significantly help our families,” explains Enrique Rodriguez, who works with the Food Bank of North Texas.
“So these households, these people who have been trying to stretch every dollar, will now have access to protein-rich food” – Enrique Rodriguez
In this way, approximately two million individual eggs are expected to reach the homes of families who need them most. In recent years, eggs have been one of the foods that has experienced the greatest price increases. However, in 2020, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. was accused by the state attorney general’s office of having irregularly increased the price of eggs. Now, the eggs will be delivered to food banks throughout Texas as part of the agreement with Cal-Maine Foods, Incorporated. “So these households, these people who have been trying to stretch every dollar, will now have access to protein-rich food,” said Rodríguez. “Price gouging laws apply to any person or entity selling necessities, such as food, at an exorbitant or excessive price after a disaster has been declared by the Governor or the President. This prohibition includes those who supply retailers,” says the official lawsuit.
The Tarrant Area Food Bank will also receive a delivery
Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the company, as explained above, making this a small but significant victory for families in need. According to Rodriguez, the eggs could reach approximately 744,000 people connected to his food bank. As part of the settlement, the company is also prohibited from selling eggs at prices that violate the Deceptive Business Practices Act during future declared disasters. The Tarrant Area Food Bank will also receive a delivery and has issued an official statement: “Families need healthy protein to stay nourished, but it is often one of the most difficult items for food banks to keep in stock due to high demand…”
This news is welcomed by food banks, as they need the most help, especially during the winter months. “Food banks continue to see longer lines and a growing demand for emergency food assistance as Texans work to stretch their food budgets,” says Tarrant Area Food Bank. Specifically:
- At least 30,000 dozen eggs to North Texas Food Bank and Houston Food Bank.
- Approximately 20,000 dozen eggs to Tarrant Area Food Bank, Central Texas Food Bank, and San Antonio Food Bank.
- At least 10,000 dozen eggs to Rio Grande Valley Food Bank, East Texas Food Bank, and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank.
- Around 5,000 dozen eggs to Coastal Bend Food Bank, South Texas Food Bank, Southeast Texas Food Bank, and South Plains Food Bank.
- At least 2,000 dozen eggs for High Plains Food Bank, West Texas Food Bank, Food Bank of West Central Texas, Food Bank of the Golden Crescent and Wichita Falls Area Food Bank.
As the Tarrant Area Food Bank says, “Having access to nutritious foods like eggs can ease this burden by helping families put balanced meals on the table.” Smaller food banks in areas like South Plains and Coastal Bend will receive between 2,000 and 5,000 dozen eggs. In this case, the Attorney General’s office is responsible for ensuring the eggs reach those most directly impacted by the crisis. “My office will crack down on any corporation illegally raising prices on Texans,” said Attorney General.