A Look Back at 2022: Pandemic Ebbs, Inflation Rises
COVID definitely left its mark on 2022, with the year beginning with a COVID outbreak. Testing centers had long lines of people waiting and at-home COVID-testing kits flew off store shelves as soon as they were stocked.
The pandemic continued to put a crunch on businesses that reported staffing shortages and supply chain issues.
Some businesses, like Jewel’s Cave Diner in New Hope say they couldn’t get the products they needed to run their business.
“We made it through COVID. It’s just now to the point where you can’t find half the stuff that we need,” said Jewel Plocienk, owner.
The diner closed on Jan. 31.
Jewel’s Cave Diner is closed in early 2022. The owner says it was due to supply chain issues.
Cities too grappled with delays and inflation pushing the prices of supplies and products higher.
“A couple of examples are IT equipment. Not only are prices going up, but most significantly there are delays in getting what we need,” said John Sutter, Crystal Community Development Director.
Nonprofit Impact: The increased prices impacted nonprofits too, as they reported a decrease of donations and increased need.
“We’re down on average 42,000 pounds of food each month in donations,” said Michelle Ness, executive director of PRISM, in a story in March. “So we’re seeing a big dip in donations while we’re seeing new families are doubling, so it’s very real right now.”
Fast-forward to the end of the year and nonprofits earnestly looked toward days like Give to the Max and end of the year giving to help meet needs.
“Families are struggling to make ends meet because of inflation. Consumer prices are really high, and that’s true for us too because we’ve had to buy more food than ever before to provide for our partners and to our community,” said Allison O’Toole, Second Harvest Heartland CEO.
Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens in Brooklyn Park was busy with an influx of weddings and events in 2022. Story here.
A Needed Rebound: Some businesses saw a big, much-needed rebound as life returned to normal.
“I think we’re at the point now where people are ready and they want to get married. There’s an increase in traffic in that regard,” said Jamie Leopold, co-owner of Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens.
The Brooklyn and Edinburgh USA also saw a big uptick in events scheduled.
“All the weddings that have been postponed for the past couple of years are coming to fruition now,” said James Wallenberg, general manager.
Other festivals and events came back, like the Brooklyn Park Lions Smelt Fry and Hennepin Tech’s Annual Plant Sale.
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