Food Insecurity: The True Extent of Grocery Price Hikes
Statistical data gives essential context to the rise in grocery costs, especially in the years following the pandemic. Among the most evident aspects of post-pandemic inflation has been the surge in what the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index defines as “food at home” — everyday groceries.
Why Groceries Stand Apart
Groceries are distinct for two main reasons. They meet a basic human need, and nearly everyone relies on them unless they eat exclusively at restaurants or live in institutions. At the same time, groceries provide flexibility: consumers can substitute a premium cut of meat for a cheaper one, opt for store brands instead of well-known labels, or switch from organic to regular milk. While groceries are essential, they offer multiple pricing options, unlike housing or utilities.
Government Data and Market Trends
According to official data, grocery costs can be tracked through both the Consumer Price Index and the Department of Agriculture’s monthly food cost reports, which divide spending into four quartiles to represent different market baskets. Reviewing the past decade reveals a noteworthy trend: from 2015 to 2020, prices stayed relatively stable, but sharp increases followed in 2021 and again in 2022.
“When adjusted for inflation, grocery prices have remained fairly steady since 2023.”
Still, the long-term picture shows notable growth. Over the ten-year period, the lowest spending quartile saw grocery costs rise by 55.8%, not accounting for inflation.
Author’s Summary
Grocery prices surged after 2020, peaking in 2022, yet inflation-adjusted costs have stabilized since 2023, revealing shifting affordability across income levels.