While campaigning for re-election in 2024, Donald Trump stood in front of a table full of groceries – bags of flour, cartons of eggs, cooking oil – and told voters he would bring down the price of groceries “starting on day one” of his second term in the White House. Over two years later, US consumers have yet to enjoy lower prices. In fact, due to supply chain issues, jostling over tariffs, wars in Ukraine and Iran, severe cuts in Snap (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, and the climate crisis, more than half of Americans say they’re struggling to afford groceries.
Below, five Guardian readers share how much they spend on food a month and the changes they’ve had to make in response to rising prices. Job: unemployedAnnual household income: $15,600Size of household: one adultPercentage of monthly budget spent on food: 75% Groceries: About $300. I usually shop once a week.
Because I am disabled and cannot drive, I have to order groceries online – this means I have to factor in higher prices and added expenses. Since Instacart stopped offering free delivery, I have to order from Whole Foods, which is so far away that perishable items often spoil before I get them. I used to get $200 a month in Snap benefits, but they were taken away last year and I never got them back.
I try to eat as little as possible: a protein bar in the morning, popcorn and mixed nuts for lunch, and a full meal for dinner. Dining out/ordering in: $30. I dine out once a month, at a monthly social mixer at a local barcade.
I order in four or five times a year, for special occasions. Usually, I order something I can divide into several meals, like pizza. How do you feel about how much you spend on food?
I pay a lot more for fewer and fewer items. It is very noticeable compared to a year ago. It makes me feel sad, depressed and anxious.
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