Families in Nashville are feeling the sting of higher Halloween candy prices this year. The National Retail Federation projects Americans will spend a record $13.5 billion on Halloween, with more than $4 billion earmarked for candy. Chocolate costs are roughly 8% higher than last year, a rise Middle Tennessee State University economics professor Dan Smith attributes to poor cocoa harvests in West Africa.

Tariffs and sugar restrictions add to the cost

Smith explained that recent tariff adjustments also played a role. “Even though some tariffs have been reduced or removed, companies stocked up on ingredients months ahead of the holidays,” he said. He added that U.S. policies limiting foreign sugar imports keep sugar prices elevated. “I just checked the sugar prices today and the price of sugar in the United States is twice what it is at the world level,” Smith noted.

Live Love Nashville turns surplus into a charitable opportunity

Local nonprofit Live Love Nashville is responding to the price pressure by encouraging families to donate any leftover Halloween candy. The organization plans to use the contributions to fill more than 1,000 Christmas stockings for children in need across the region.

“We can help more children with the excess funds, so if we’re able to put those funds elsewhere, we also provide food for kids over extended breaks,” said Taylor Reed, founder of Live Love Nashville. Reed listed several drop‑off locations for candy donations, including Hometown Nutrition in White House, TNT Water Sports in Hendersonville, Sumner Pediatric Dentistry in Gallatin, and Bailey’s Wrecker Service and Martin’s Wrecker Service.

Tips for shoppers facing higher prices

Smith reassured shoppers that the higher cost does not mean Halloween is out of reach. “You’re going to have to look around for those specials and deals to help make Halloween affordable,” he advised.

Why the community effort matters

By channeling surplus candy into the Christmas stocking drive, Live Love Nashville aims to stretch limited charitable resources further. The organization’s dual‑purpose approach addresses both the immediate challenge of rising candy costs and the longer‑term need to support children during the holiday season.

Residents who wish to contribute can drop off candy at any of the listed locations throughout the Nashville metropolitan area. The nonprofit encourages early donations to ensure the Christmas stocking project stays on schedule.

Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.