In the small community of Isom, Kentucky, the Isom IGA grocery store serves as a hub for many locals, providing not only everyday essentials but also a place where people can come together for a meal. The store has a breakfast and lunch counter that attracts customers from across Letcher County. It’s here that Mary Ann Moore, a retiree who calls Isom home, discusses the rising prices affecting her family.
“I never imagined I’d have to pay $6 for a dozen eggs,” Moore says, her voice tinged with frustration. “Or $3 for a loaf of bread. It’s hard when you pay more for a gallon of milk than a gallon of gas. It’s affecting everyone in my family.”
Moore, like many others, hopes the incoming Trump Administration can somehow help reduce the skyrocketing costs, particularly for groceries and fuel. She shares a table with Simon Christon, the store manager and future owner, whose parents bought the grocery in 1998. Christon echoes Moore’s concerns and highlights the economic struggles that have plagued their community, particularly since the decline of coal mining in the region.
“We are a coal mining town. We’ve always been. And since the coal mines shut down, there’s been a lot of struggle in our area. Poverty has been a constant issue, with many people living paycheck to paycheck. The inflation we’ve seen recently has made things worse,” Christon explains. “Families are struggling to afford food. It’s a real challenge.”
To help ease the burden on struggling families, Christon and his team at Isom IGA often offer discounts and, at times, even free food to those in need. But despite these efforts, Christon remains hopeful for broader economic change, particularly under the Trump Administration.
“I hope things change when the new administration steps in. When I bought my first home, interest rates were at 4.1%. Now, young couples or families buying their first house are facing interest rates of 7.3% or higher. It’s a huge difference,” Christon says. “Right now, it feels like it will take a miracle for things to get better. But we keep pushing through.”
Despite the challenges, the store remains busy on this weekday afternoon. Glenda Cook, who lives in Whitesburg, the county seat, shares her thoughts on the rising cost of living.
“It’s definitely high right now. It makes it hard to get by,” Cook says. “Shopping habits have definitely changed. I now opt for cheaper brands or generics to stretch my budget.”
Cook’s uncertainty about the future is shared by many others. “Do you think things will get better with the incoming administration?” she is asked. Her response is hopeful, yet cautious: “I don’t know, but I hope so. Time will tell.”
Meanwhile, Amber and Brian Adams from Letcher County offer their perspective on the economic challenges they face. “If it weren’t for my husband having a good-paying job, it would probably be a lot harder,” says Amber. “But it’s still tough for everyone who can’t afford quality groceries.”
Brian Adams, who travels for work, notes that rising prices aren’t limited to their local area. “I travel a lot for work. Right now, I’m in Detroit, Michigan, and everything there is so much more expensive than here. Even though I make a good salary, the money just doesn’t go as far anymore.”
When asked if they believe the next administration can address these issues, the Adams family remains skeptical. “I don’t know how much they can fix, but it did feel like things were cheaper during the last administration. Maybe they can do something,” Brian says.
Letcher County, which Trump won by 64 points in the last election, is a place where most residents have a shared concern for the economic well-being of their families. As one local resident, Morgan, puts it, “I love America. I love the American Dream, and I want to see my family live that dream. I want my daughter and grandson to grow up in a country where they can afford food, buy a house, and live comfortably.”
As the region waits for changes under the new administration, the hope is that Eastern Kentuckians can soon experience some relief from the financial struggles that have gripped their community for so long.
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