Grocery prices cause stress for nearly half of Americans: poll
Grocery prices are adding to stress for many Americans. Nearly half of respondents said that daily shopping has become a financial burden due to rising food costs.
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A majority of Americans say rising grocery and food prices are the No. 1 cause of economic stress and want the government to act now.
These are the findings of a survey of 1,100 registered voters conducted by Global Strategy Group from May 5 to 7, 2026, on behalf of the Kitchen Table Project, a U.S. policy initiative that examines how cost of living affects middle-income households. The project will be led by Lael Brainard, who served as director of the White House National Economic Council under President Joe Biden and vice chair of the Federal Reserve System.
Survey responses show widespread economic pain and bipartisan support for government intervention to make it more affordable.
“Two-thirds (67%) of Americans across partisan, gender, generational, and geographic lines report that rising costs of living are putting significant pressure on their household finances,” the report states.
Furthermore, 63% cited food prices as the biggest source of that pressure. An even larger number (67%) say food prices are unfair, especially meat and poultry, which are unaffordable.
The survey also shows that a majority of people (82%) believe politicians have the power to cut costs if they choose to do so. “Majorities of Democrats (84%), independents (67%), and Republicans (78%) say they would be comfortable with the government ‘cracking down on price gouging and anticompetitive business practices,’ even if it means more regulation,” the report says.
When asked about the causes of rising costs, those surveyed most often cited tariffs and trade restrictions (48%), followed by large companies raising prices to increase profits (46%).
Sixty-five percent said their families are struggling and need immediate relief, while 35% said they need to address the root causes of rising costs, “even if it takes years to feel a difference.”
In addition to food, housing costs, gas costs, and utility costs are also cited as major financial burdens. More than a third (36%) of respondents cited housing as their main financial stressor, and a third (33%) said the same about filling up their gas tank. 29% of those surveyed cited utility and household utility costs.
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers grocery business and consumer-focused grocery news, retail developments, store openings and closings. Send your story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. X Follow her at @MarciaGreenwood.
