Inflation driving up the cost of fish fry meals this Lenten season

ST. LOUIS — The Lenten year begins in March, and that means lots of Catholic parishes are gearing up for those people fish fries. But lots of churches are now obtaining to charge a lot extra for individuals meals because of to inflation.  

St. Cecilia Catholic Parish in South St. Louis has a single of the largest fish fries in the location, but they are owning to demand extra this 12 months because rates for fish and other items have skyrocketed.   

Very last year, parishes had to do on-line orders only thanks to the pandemic. Now, 2022 has introduced yet another challenge.

Heather Sieve is the company manager for St. Cecilia and suggests the parish’s Lenten fish fry has constantly been a way to exercise the religion, connect with others, and fundraise – all even though taking pleasure in excellent foods. She explains there is now inflation on fish. She says they usually obtain all around 200 kilos of fish each and every Friday.  

“Like the cost of my cod for a piece of cod is virtually double,” Sieve discussed. “If we have to fork out additional, then we’re going to make considerably less.  I don’t want folks to be disappointed, and we form of experienced to revamp our full purchasing method.” 

The parish is now possessing men and women purchase foods online ala carte, so they can decide and opt for products based on selling price. Some parishioners say even with the selling price, they’ll even now aid the church.  

“The selling prices are a little high but we kinda need to aid the individuals and the young children,  the college, and the Parish,”  said parishioner Linda Ramírez. 

Sieve says even paper products and containers are much more expensive and thinks it’s all because of to workers and provide shortages.  

“We want all people to know it is not us striving to gouge the charges. It’s certainly us just attempting to recoup some of what we’re acquiring to pay back added,” Sieve added.  

The to start with fish fry below for St. Cecilia and other parishes starts March 4.