In the bustling metropolis of New York City, where the cost of living is as sky-high as the buildings, residents are getting creative with their side hustles. Lately, you might notice something unusual: people lugging egg trays around on the subway. Why? The recent spike in egg prices has made it quite the lucrative endeavor.
From the suburbs to the city, a new trend has emerged. Amid avian flu outbreaks and soaring supermarket prices, New Yorkers have started selling eggs as a way to earn extra cash. Entrepreneurs, in particular, are capitalizing on this trend as a means to diversify their income while providing a valuable service to their communities.
A New Dimension to Commuting
For Miho Urisaka, a physical therapist in Manhattan, her commute is anything but ordinary. Traveling from Putnam Valley, she brings along trays of free-range eggs daily. Her clients, who visit her clinic for physical therapy, now also have the option to buy fresh eggs. This is because eggs have become hard to find, thanks to recent health scares.
An Unusual Marketplace
Urisaka’s clinic is more than just a place for physical healing. It has transformed into a mini marketplace where patients can snag homemade soaps and herbal remedies. Collaborating with local entrepreneurs, Urisaka aims to provide holistic care that goes beyond just therapy sessions. Patients can now explore products beneficial for their overall wellbeing.
Offering quality eggs and other natural products, the clinic serves as a hub for health and wellness education. Urisaka herself emphasizes the importance of not only physical therapy but also the role that good nutrition plays in maintaining health.
Rising Prices and Limited Supply
Eggs are now as precious as gold in some diners, causing restaurants to alter menus. “We limit extra eggs because the supply is so tight,” says Masaru Torito, manager of Kokoro Restaurant.
Recent reports show egg prices skyrocketed to nearly $20 a dozen in New York, driven by scarcity and what many call “greedflation”. This has left diners, and home cooks alike, scrambling to adjust.
Sustainability Meets Side Hustle
Urisaka isn’t just in it for the money; she’s invested in sustainable farming. Her approach to agriculture mirrors her philosophy on patient care—holistic and conscious of long-term wellbeing.
However, running an egg business is not enough to cover living expenses. Both Miho and her husband keep their full-time jobs while managing their farm.
The rise in egg demand presents an opportunity for them to practice sustainable farming on a small scale, benefiting both themselves and their clients.
Future Outlook for Egg Sellers
Looking ahead, those involved in selling eggs remain optimistic. As the supply stabilizes, they expect prices to remain high enough to justify continuing their efforts.
For consumers, more availability could mean better access to eggs, bringing much-needed relief.
In a city where side hustles are necessary, selling eggs has become an unexpected but effective solution to financial pressures.
Final Thoughts
The egg-selling trend in New York highlights the resilience and creativity of its residents.
With prices still high, selling eggs offers an opportunity to make ends meet while fostering community connections.
For many New Yorkers, this isn’t just a temporary trend—it’s a newly found passion that aligns with their values, meeting both economic and environmental needs.
Egg-selling in New York has become more than just a way to earn extra income. It’s a community-driven initiative that supports local economies while addressing food scarcity.
As cities grapple with rising costs, this unique side hustle demonstrates the power of adaptability and creative problem-solving. New Yorkers, after all, are nothing if not resourceful.
