News
21Investigates Launches Weekly Grocery Tracker to Keep Fort Wayne Families Informed
<p data-start="87" data-end="324">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.</p>
<h2 data-start="326" data-end="375">A New Tool for Shoppers Watching Their Wallets</h2>
<p data-start="377" data-end="639">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.</p>
<p data-start="641" data-end="769">It’s straightforward, too. Prices are listed as advertised in-store, with no fancy loyalty cards or coupon gimmicks factored in.</p>
<p data-start="771" data-end="894">One short reminder: your final bill could still be lower if you snag extra discounts — but this gives you a clear baseline.</p>
<p data-start="771" data-end="894"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13615" src="https://budgyapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Fort-Wayne-grocery-store-price-comparison.jpg" alt="Fort Wayne grocery store price comparison" width="676" height="365" /></p>
<h2 data-start="896" data-end="921">What’s On the Tracker?</h2>
<p data-start="923" data-end="1027">No surprises here — the list includes basic staples that show up in most shopping carts week after week.</p>
<p data-start="1029" data-end="1074">Here’s what the Grocery Tracker will monitor:</p>
<ul data-start="1075" data-end="1450">
<li data-start="1075" data-end="1113">
<p data-start="1077" data-end="1113">Dozen Store Brand Grade A Large Eggs</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1114" data-end="1145">
<p data-start="1116" data-end="1145">Gallon of Store Brand 2% Milk</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1146" data-end="1185">
<p data-start="1148" data-end="1185">1 Pound of Land O’Lakes Butter Sticks</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1186" data-end="1223">
<p data-start="1188" data-end="1223">1 Loaf of Sunbeam Giant White Bread</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1224" data-end="1255">
<p data-start="1226" data-end="1255">1 Family Size Box of Cheerios</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1256" data-end="1298">
<p data-start="1258" data-end="1298">16-ounce jar of Jif Creamy Peanut Butter</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1299" data-end="1341">
<p data-start="1301" data-end="1341">1 Pound of Store Brand 80/20 Ground Beef</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1342" data-end="1400">
<p data-start="1344" data-end="1400">1 Pound of Store Brand Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1401" data-end="1421">
<p data-start="1403" data-end="1421">1 Pound of Bananas</p>
</li>
<li data-start="1422" data-end="1450">
<p data-start="1424" data-end="1450">1 Pound of Russet Potatoes</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="1452" data-end="1545">One sentence for context: these staples reflect what many households rely on week after week.</p>
<h2 data-start="1547" data-end="1576">Where the Prices Come From</h2>
<p data-start="1578" data-end="1701">The team is tracking prices from three local staples: Southgate Plaza Kroger, Illinois Road Meijer, and Apple Glen Walmart.</p>
<p data-start="1703" data-end="1815">John H.D. Wagner, the reporter behind the effort, said the idea is to give shoppers clarity without the fluff.</p>
<p data-start="1817" data-end="1966">“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.”</p>
<h2 data-start="1968" data-end="1993">Real Prices, Real Time</h2>
<p data-start="1995" data-end="2113">A quick look at early numbers shows what many suspect: grocery prices swing week to week, sometimes even day to day.</p>
<p data-start="2115" data-end="2337">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.</p>
<p data-start="2339" data-end="2474">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.”</p>
<h2 data-start="2476" data-end="2497">Why It Matters Now</h2>
<p data-start="2499" data-end="2744">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.</p>
<p data-start="2746" data-end="2787">A quick table shows the national picture:</p>
<div class="_tableContainer_80l1q_1">
<div class="_tableWrapper_80l1q_14 group flex w-fit flex-col-reverse" tabindex="-1">
<table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" data-start="2789" data-end="3133">
<thead data-start="2789" data-end="2857">
<tr data-start="2789" data-end="2857">
<th data-start="2789" data-end="2814" data-col-size="sm">Item</th>
<th data-start="2814" data-end="2835" data-col-size="sm">Average Price 2022</th>
<th data-start="2835" data-end="2857" data-col-size="sm">Average Price 2025</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody data-start="2927" data-end="3133">
<tr data-start="2927" data-end="2995">
<td data-start="2927" data-end="2952" data-col-size="sm">Dozen Eggs</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="2952" data-end="2973">$1.93</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="2973" data-end="2995">$2.85</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="2996" data-end="3064">
<td data-start="2996" data-end="3021" data-col-size="sm">Gallon 2% Milk</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="3021" data-end="3042">$3.75</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="3042" data-end="3064">$4.25</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="3065" data-end="3133">
<td data-start="3065" data-end="3090" data-col-size="sm">Pound of Ground Beef</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="3090" data-end="3111">$4.72</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="3111" data-end="3133">$5.69</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="sticky end-(--thread-content-margin) h-0 self-end select-none">
<div class="absolute end-0 flex items-end"></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p data-start="3135" data-end="3180">Those few bucks here and there add up — fast.</p>
<h2 data-start="3182" data-end="3207">How to Use the Tracker</h2>
<p data-start="3209" data-end="3365">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.</p>
<p data-start="3367" data-end="3386">Tips from the team:</p>
<ul data-start="3387" data-end="3541">
<li data-start="3387" data-end="3424">
<p data-start="3389" data-end="3424">Check the new list every Wednesday.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3425" data-end="3485">
<p data-start="3427" data-end="3485">Compare stores before you shop — you might find a bargain.</p>
</li>
<li data-start="3486" data-end="3541">
<p data-start="3488" data-end="3541">Stack store sales or coupons for even bigger savings.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="3543" data-end="3730">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.</p>
<h2 data-start="3732" data-end="3756">No Frills, Just Facts</h2>
<p data-start="3758" data-end="3862">The team says they’ll keep it simple: no fluff, no sponsored deals, just the numbers families can trust.</p>
<p data-start="3864" data-end="4021">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.</p>