Video Transcript

00:00-15.09

Nassau News: With the escalating prices of wheat and flour impacting consumers many have begun to cut back on their familiar purchasing routines. At local pizzerias where a cheese pizza has skyrocketed to 16 dollars, and a dollar bagel has become a reality.

:15.10

Susan Thomas: When I go to work in the morning and I have to give them a dollar a dollar twenty five. Years ago its ridiculous I could get a bagel with cream cheese or a bagel with butter for like 75 cents at the most.

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Nassau News: Barry Levy, Assistant Manager of Bagel Town in West Hempstead has been trying to cope with the rising cost of flour but is fighting an uphill battle.

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Barry Levy: I have been in business for over 15 years, and the thought in closing my store has never crossed my mind. But with the rising prises of flour and wheat, it is in the back of my mind, as it is right now. The price of a 50-lb bag of flour three months ago was $10, and now I'm paying $35, and I'm told the prices are going to be going up very soon as well.

:53.97

Nassau News: Mr. Levy has to pay an additional $1,900 each week to cover the new cost of wheat and flour just to keep his bagel shop afloat. But Mr. Levy and bagel shops are not the only places that are feeling the new wheat and flour costs. Pizzeria's are feeling it just as hard.

1:07

Megan Rosalli: I just had to increase everything on my menu by 5 percent to relieve the burden or preparation costs. I've been in business for 35 years and will be here for 35 more, but I worry for the inexperienced owners.

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Nassau News: Earlier this month the United States Department of Agriculture reported that the average food prices increased 4% between 2006 and 2007. And the beginning of 2008 still has shown no relief.

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Susan Thomas: Every Friday we usually get a pizza but now at 16 dollars a pie I would have to buy 2 pies, thats like 32 dollars, that is just not in my budget anymore. It really makes Chiense food look much better than pizza for a Friday night.

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Nassau News: But good news may be on the way. With U.S. wheat farmers harvesting winter wheat crops in June. And the tomato crops looking bright, we may be able to see a decrease in prices in as little as 9 months. I'm Matthew Zaslow reporting with Nassau News