The United Nations' global index for tracking food prices fell 1.9 percent in December after hitting an all-time high in 2022 amid drought, war, pandemic, and supply chain challenges.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Food Price Index, which tracks commonly traded food commodities, averaged 143.7 points in 2022. That is down one percent from the number one year ago, but 14.3 percent above the average value in 2021.
Over that period, essential goods have seen sizable price drops. The price of vegetable oil, for example, was down 6.7 percent from November, hitting their lowest levels since before the war in Ukraine. Cereal prices, meanwhile, were down 1.9 percent from November, while meat was down 1.2 percent.
While welcoming the improvement, the United Nation is urging nations to stay vigilant to avoid the kind of global food shortages that come with higher prices.
"Calmer food commodity prices are welcome after two very volatile years," said FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero in a news release. "It is important to remain vigilant and keep a strong focus on mitigating global food insecurity given that world food prices remain at elevated levels, with many staples near record highs, and with prices of rice increasing, and still many risks associated with future supplies"
One exception to the steady price declines: dairy products. The FAO Dairy Price Index was up 1.2 percent in December, mostly due to higher international cheese prices.
The U.S. Senate, circumventing holds by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, on Thursday confirmed the nominations of two senior military leaders, including the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Using sidewalks as exam rooms and heavy red duffle bags as medical supply closets, volunteer medics spend their Saturdays caring for the growing number of migrants arriving in Chicago without a place to live.
Israeli troops advanced toward Gaza City on Thursday, as the Palestinian death toll rose above 9,000. With no end in sight after weeks of heavy fighting, U.S. and Arab mediators intensified efforts to ease Israel's siege of the Hamas-ruled enclave and called for at least a brief halt to the hostilities in order to aid civilians.
Rep. George Santos easily survived a vote Wednesday to expel him from the House as most Republicans and 31 Democrats opted to withhold punishment while both his criminal trial and a House Ethics Committee investigation proceed.
Former President Donald Trump's two sons, Eric and Donald Jr., are set to take the stand in the ongoing civil fraud trial against Trump and his companies. Trump Jr. is expected to testify Wednesday.
