Inflation Drives Up Grocery Costs for Families and Firefighters Alike in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. - Grocery shopping has become more expensive for families due to inflation, and it also impacts firefighters who pool their money to shop and save for their fire stations.

At Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Station 46, Ryan Travis, a fire medic, also serves as the cook for the B shift.

"I enjoy cooking. So I started doing it, and I guess I never stopped," said Travis, who has been cooking for his colleagues for six years.

Travis helps feed 10 people, a role he took on, although it wasn't initially part of his job description.

"When I first started working for the fire department, it was the newest guy who cooked. My cooking was terrible at first, but as newer guys came, their food was even worse, so I continued cooking because I enjoyed it," said Travis.

Each workday begins with a meeting where the team discusses their tasks and decides on meals for the day.

"One of the most important decisions of the day is what we’re going to eat for lunch and dinner," said Rob Herrin, the public safety information chief at Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

The menu often depends on what’s on sale, as firefighters pay for groceries out of their own pockets.

"Today, we had burgers for lunch because the meat was on sale, and most of the ingredients for chicken marsala were also discounted. Each firefighter contributes $20 to cover the day's food bill," explained Travis.

Firefighters from Station 46 head to their nearest grocery store in Riverview, where they have to make their cash stretch, especially with rising prices.

"When I first started working here, we were spending about $15 each on food. Now it’s up to about $20," said Travis.

After shopping, they load up their fire truck with groceries and head back to the station, where it's a team effort to keep the kitchen stocked.

"We have a kitty where all three shifts contribute money. One person goes to a wholesale club like Sam’s or Costco once a month to purchase bulk items," said Herrin.

The kitty serves as their pantry, and they maintain a running log of kitchen needs.

"We keep standard kitchen items like salt, pepper, seasonings, Ziploc bags, foil, and coffee," said Herrin.

However, the unpredictable nature of their job requires meals that can withstand interruptions.

"It’s gotta be something that can stand up to being abandoned," Herrin added.

Challenges of Inflation on Firefighters

The rise in grocery prices has significantly impacted the daily operations at the fire station. The firefighters' collective funds must cover meals that are nutritious and substantial enough to sustain them through their physically demanding shifts.

"With inflation, every dollar counts. We try to stretch our budget as much as possible while ensuring everyone gets a good meal," said Travis. "Sometimes, we have to get creative with our menu to make sure we stay within budget."

Team Effort and Morale

The shared responsibility of cooking and meal planning fosters camaraderie among the firefighters. It’s not just about food; it’s about team bonding and ensuring everyone is well-fed and ready for duty.

"Cooking and eating together strengthens our bond. It’s like a family meal, and it’s important for our morale and teamwork," said Herrin.

Looking Ahead

As inflation continues to affect prices, the firefighters at Station 46 are finding ways to adapt. They are exploring bulk buying and looking for sales and discounts to keep their costs down while maintaining the quality of their meals.

"We’re always looking for ways to save money and make sure we have everything we need," said Herrin. "It’s a challenge, but it’s one we’re up for because it’s part of taking care of each other."

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