Market Bag: Peppers hit $700, lettuce now $1,500 as food prices continue to soar

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Food prices continue to rise at the Coronation Market in downtown Kingston as farmers struggle with the effects of a worsening drought, pushing up the cost of several essential produce items.

Among the more expensive items this week are lettuce, which is selling for $1,500 per pound, and Scotch bonnet peppers and sweet peppers, both priced at $700. Other items seeing steep increases include carrots at $500 per pound; Irish potatoes and pumpkin at $400 each; onions at $350; and sweet potatoes at $350.

With the rising costs, ISSA-certified nutritionist Orandy Smith is encouraging Jamaicans to “work with what is working with you” when preparing meals and making food choices.