In an age of sticker shock at the checkout lane, every dollar counts. That’s why 21Alive’s investigative team is rolling out a new weekly feature — the Grocery Tracker — comparing prices on everyday essentials at three Fort Wayne stores.

A New Tool for Shoppers Watching Their Wallets

Starting this week, the 21Investigates: Grocery Tracker will publish real-world price checks on ten common grocery items. Updated each Wednesday, the list aims to give families a better sense of where their money’s going — and where they might save a bit more.

It’s straightforward, too. Prices are listed as advertised in-store, with no fancy loyalty cards or coupon gimmicks factored in.

One short reminder: your final bill could still be lower if you snag extra discounts — but this gives you a clear baseline.

What’s On the Tracker?

No surprises here — the list includes basic staples that show up in most shopping carts week after week.

Here’s what the Grocery Tracker will monitor:

• Dozen Store Brand Grade A Large Eggs

• Gallon of Store Brand 2% Milk

• 1 Pound of Land O’Lakes Butter Sticks

• 1 Loaf of Sunbeam Giant White Bread

• 1 Family Size Box of Cheerios

• 16-ounce jar of Jif Creamy Peanut Butter

• 1 Pound of Store Brand 80/20 Ground Beef

• 1 Pound of Store Brand Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast

• 1 Pound of Bananas

• 1 Pound of Russet Potatoes

One sentence for context: these staples reflect what many households rely on week after week.

Where the Prices Come From

The team is tracking prices from three local staples: Southgate Plaza Kroger, Illinois Road Meijer, and Apple Glen Walmart.

John H.D. Wagner, the reporter behind the effort, said the idea is to give shoppers clarity without the fluff.

“It’s about transparency,” Wagner shared. “People want to know: am I paying more for eggs at Store A or Store B? This puts the facts in their hands.”

Real Prices, Real Time

A quick look at early numbers shows what many suspect: grocery prices swing week to week, sometimes even day to day.

By focusing on the shelf price — no coupons, no credit card perks — the Tracker gives shoppers a real-world snapshot. If you want the absolute rock-bottom total, you’ll still need to watch for store sales and clip coupons.

One shopper said they like that the list is simple: “I don’t have time to chase a dozen apps. Just tell me where the milk is cheapest.”

Why It Matters Now

Food prices have been a sore spot nationwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports grocery costs jumped nearly 20% over the past three years. Families everywhere are pinching pennies, swapping brands, and rethinking what goes in the cart.

A quick table shows the national picture:

Those few bucks here and there add up — fast.

How to Use the Tracker

The investigative team wants families to see this as a living tool. One week you might spot a deal on chicken; the next, it’s the cereal that surprises you.

Tips from the team:

• Check the new list every Wednesday.

• Compare stores before you shop — you might find a bargain.

• Stack store sales or coupons for even bigger savings.

And keep in mind, the list is just a baseline. If you prefer organic, bulk, or specialty brands, your total will vary. But at least you’ll know what the “everyday” shelf price looks like.

No Frills, Just Facts

The team says they’ll keep it simple: no fluff, no sponsored deals, just the numbers families can trust.

At a time when grocery budgets feel tighter than ever, maybe a little old-fashioned price-check is just what Fort Wayne shoppers need to stay one step ahead.