Eggs

The largest producer of fresh eggs in the U.S. said Tuesday it had temporarily halted production at a Texas plant after bird flu was found in chickens, and officials said the virus had also been detected at a poultry facility in Michigan.

Because of the way WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), is a food assistance program, is designed, food prices don't impact the amount of food participants are able to receive.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank, which serves 13 counties and has a distribution center in Joliet, is buying and distributing less eggs due to their high cost.

Nola Mata of Braidwood and formerly of Wilmington, raised chickens in her backyard from 2014 to 2021. She felt the eggs looked and tasted fresher than store-bought eggs and her young sons loved the experience.

Northern Illinois restaurants also reeling from increase in egg prices.

Although the worst bird flu in U.S. history is contributing to the rising cost of eggs, it's not the only reason for increased prices.