Food insecurity: Numbers show severity of grocery price hikes

Food Insecurity: Rising Grocery Prices in Context

Statistical data helps explain the ongoing surge in grocery costs since the pandemic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, one of the most persistent elements of post‑pandemic inflation has been the increase in “food at home” — simply put, groceries.

Essentials and Consumer Choices

Groceries meet a basic human need. Unless people rely entirely on restaurants or institutional food services, they regularly buy groceries. Yet, grocery shoppers still have flexibility. They can choose less expensive meat cuts, switch from brand names to store brands, or opt for regular instead of organic products. This broad range of price options separates groceries from necessities like housing or utilities, where alternatives are limited.

Tracking Costs Over Time

Government data helps show how grocery costs evolve. Alongside the CPI, the Department of Agriculture issues four monthly cost estimates representing different levels of grocery spending. A review of data over the past decade reveals a clear shift:

Prices stayed mostly stable between 2015 and 2020.
They spiked sharply in 2021 and climbed again in 2022.
When adjusted for inflation, grocery costs have remained relatively steady since 2023.

In ten years, the lowest-priced grocery tier rose by 55.8% before adjusting for inflation.

Data Insights and Consumer Impact

The statistics underline how food prices have become a significant factor in overall inflation, influencing household budgets and food security nationwide.

Author’s summary: U.S. grocery prices surged post‑pandemic but have steadied since 2023, with the lowest‑cost food tier still up more than half over a decade.

The Journal Gazette — 2025-11-08

Food Insecurity: Rising Grocery Prices in Context

Essentials and Consumer Choices

Tracking Costs Over Time

Data Insights and Consumer Impact

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