MADISON (WKOW) — Wisconsin families are firing up their grills and taking part in some holiday festivities this Memorial Day. For people planning to host a barbecue, higher food prices could mean a heavy blow to their wallets.

Across the country, inflation is contributing to a rise in food costs. A recent report shows that while inflation has fallen since June 2022, it still sits above the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2 percent.

In Wisconsin, families spend about 8 percent of their total income on groceries. Abbie Hannam said she feels that financial burden.

“Definitely noticing an increase. I tried to shop local as much as I can,” said Hannam. “I think it’s a burden on everybody.”

The latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the national average of a pound of uncooked ground beef has increased by about 31 cents since last year. The average cost of a Memorial Day barbecue has increased by 10 percent since 2023.

Cody Chasteen plans to invite friends over for his barbecue but opted out of purchasing certain foods he said were just too expensive.

“We are going to make some kebabs as well. Got some pre-marinated chicken breasts, some onion pepper, we’re gonna make some guacamole. We were looking at making some queso, but it was, like, crazy expensive,” said Chasteen. “It would have been like 24 bucks for us to get the same amount we normally do.”