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Community News Briefs

compiled by Samoa News staff

STATS SHOW INCREASE IN BASIC FOOD INDEX  

The Department of Commerce released on August 3rd, statistics for the Basic Food Index for July 2017, which registered at 104.5 points, a substantial increase of 2.2% from the 102.24 points recorded for the month before.

For the monthly survey, six major food outlets were selected.

Food items that saw increases in average prices were:

chicken legs, taro, pork spareribs, and butter.

Data shows that the cost of a 22-pound box of chicken legs — a food item that is always in high demand locally — has been on the rise since February 2017 and continued to increase for the month of June by 6.9%

Consumers are feeling the heat, having to pay a few extra dollars at the check-out counters.

Chicken is a favorite amongst local kids, and parents generally buy it by the case and ration it out throughout the week.

The price of another local favorite, taro has also increased and according to DOC, this is due to the stop currently being placed on taro imports from neighboring Samoa.

“Pork spareribs and butter altogether contribute to a higher index,” said the report, which also revealed that only three commodities decreased last month: eggs, rice, and mayonnaise.

The rest of the food items remained constant in the month of June.

LOCAL STUDENT SELECTED TO SPEAK DURING JSA GRADUATION

Karlinna Sanchez, a student at Samoana High School, was given the honor of delivering a speech on behalf of the JSA Class of 2017 at Princeton University.

This is the third time Sanchez has participated in the JSA program and her most recent trip was funded through a scholarship from the DOI Of ce of Insular Affairs.

Her rst summer in the Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) was spent at Stanford University and her second year took her to Georgetown.

In addition to speaking during graduation, Sanchez was also awarded a ‘gavel’ after being elected to serve as debate house moderator.

She will be serving as National Honor Society (NHS) president for the Sharks when she enters her senior year later this month.

Sanchez has participated in various high school competitions and earlier this year, she won rst place — for the third year in a row—in the Impromptu Speech Category of the Speech Festival.

SUMMER OF BUBBLES PROMOTION ENDS

The Summer of Bubbles promotional program came to an end last Saturday, August 6th.

The Summer of Bubbles offered the public an opportunity to win $500 by purchasing a 12-pack of selected beverages and entering raffle tickets into a cash cube.

Last Saturday’ s bash was hosted by the Pago Pago Trading Company in partnership with Tropical Fried Chicken.

The turnout was great, with lots of fun games, delicious food, and great company.

The little ones enjoyed various activities like face painting and jumper castles.