SANTA MARIA, Calif. — In response to soaring egg prices and significant shortages, a farm in California is stepping up to assist victims of the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles region. The century-old family-operated Rosemary Farm, located in Santa Maria, is collaborating with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and the nonprofit organization Gather For Good to provide approximately 270,000 fresh eggs to individuals who lost their homes due to the Eaton and Palisades fires last month.

Beyond aiding those who have been displaced, nearly 55,000 eggs are designated for local firefighters and emergency responders, as stated in an announcement from the farm. Additionally, some of the eggs will be utilized by Winter Fate Bakes, a bakery in Los Angeles, to prepare birthday cakes for children affected by these disasters.

Recently, egg prices in the United States surged to a record high, primarily due to a widespread avian influenza outbreak. When the virus is detected on a poultry farm, it necessitates the culling of the entire flock to curtail further transmission. Furthermore, egg producers are grappling with increased operational costs related to feed, fuel, and labor, all exacerbated by current inflation. Farmers are also investing more resources into biosecurity practices to safeguard their poultry against potential health threats.

As a result of these challenges, some grocery stores have begun to implement purchasing limits to manage the dwindling egg supply, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to access this essential food item.