US Adults Face Rising Grocery Costs, Heightened Stress Levels
A recent poll reveals that a significant number of U.S. adults are experiencing stress over rising grocery costs. According to findings from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, approximately half of Americans describe grocery prices as a “major” source of stress in their lives, while another 33% consider it a “minor” concern. Only 14% report that grocery costs do not contribute to their anxiety, highlighting the widespread financial strain felt across the nation.
The survey indicates that grocery expenses are a primary financial worry for many, particularly among younger individuals. For instance, about 40% of Americans under 45 have utilized “buy now, pay later” services to manage their spending on essentials like groceries and entertainment. This is evident in the experience of Adam Bush, a 19-year-old welder from Portland, New York, who noted, “I just keep watching the prices go up, so I’m looking for the cheapest possible stuff,” highlighting the shift in consumer behavior driven by rising costs.
Impact of Rising Costs Across Demographics
The financial burden of grocery expenses affects individuals of all ages. While older Americans, particularly those over 60, tend to face less anxiety regarding housing or credit card debt, they share similar concerns about grocery prices. Esther Bland, a 78-year-old resident of Buckley, Washington, described groceries as a “minor” stressor, thanks to support from local food banks. Despite her reliance on Social Security and disability payments, she expressed uncertainty about the future, stating, “If I lost that, groceries would absolutely be a major source of stress.”
The poll also reveals stark differences in how various income brackets experience grocery-related stress. Around 64% of Americans with an annual household income of less than $30,000 categorize grocery costs as a “major” stressor, in contrast to about 40% of those earning $100,000 or more. Even among higher-income individuals, approximately 20% do not consider grocery costs a worry.
Women and Hispanic adults report feeling heightened economic anxiety. The poll shows that women are more likely than men to express stress regarding income, savings, and grocery costs. Furthermore, about two-thirds of Hispanic adults identify housing costs as a “major” stressor, compared to approximately half of Black adults and around 40% of white adults.
Changing Spending Habits Amid Financial Strain
As grocery prices increase, many Americans are adjusting their shopping habits. Shandal LeSure, a receptionist in Chattanooga, Tennessee, earning between $85,000 and $100,000 annually, has opted for less expensive grocery stores. “It’s an adjustment,” she remarked. “Sometimes the quality isn’t as good.”
The trend of using “buy now, pay later” services has become increasingly common among U.S. adults. Approximately 30% of respondents reported utilizing these services for groceries, entertainment, and medical care. This growing reliance on flexible payment plans raises concerns about the long-term implications, as an increasing number of users struggle to repay their loans. Consumer watchdogs warn that such plans, marketed as safer alternatives to credit cards, can lead to financial overextension.
The financial landscape is evolving, and as Americans navigate rising costs, the impact of grocery prices extends far beyond the checkout line. The findings of this poll reflect a broader narrative of economic anxiety affecting individuals across various demographics, prompting many to rethink their spending and saving strategies in an increasingly challenging environment.
