Poll: Struggling Texans 77% of Adults Battle Rising Grocery Costs!
Texans are finding it harder to afford groceries this year than last. The July survey, which included over 1,100 participants, highlighted a significant increase in the number of Texas adults facing difficulties in paying for their groceries.
The findings revealed that more than three-quarters, or about 77%, of those polled, reported struggling more with grocery costs this year than they did in the previous year.
The poll emphasized that rural Texans and families are among the most affected groups when it comes to grocery affordability. Mia Medina, a senior program manager with No Kid Hungry Texas, pointed out that the rising cost of food is outpacing income growth for many Texans.
“We found that more than three-quarters, so about 77% of Texas adults, are having a hard time affording groceries than they were a year ago, citing that the cost of food is actually rising faster than their income,” Medina said.
This 77% figure marks an increase from last year’s poll, which found that 73% of Texas adults were struggling with food costs. The ongoing rise in grocery prices has left many Texans grappling with food insecurity.
In the Austin area alone, 28% of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of food insecurity, which can range from empty pantries to relying on cheaper, less nutritious food options.
Medina also noted that food insecurity often leads to a decline in the consumption of nutritionally dense food. According to the poll, around half (49%) of all respondents reported buying fewer or no protein sources, while 43% said they purchased less or no fresh produce. These figures suggest that many Texans are cutting back on essential food items due to financial strain.
The poll also highlighted that parents and caregivers with children in K-12 who have annual incomes under $50,000 are particularly vulnerable. These families are more likely to opt for less healthy, more affordable food options in an effort to stretch their grocery budgets.
As Texas prepares for its next regular legislative session, which is just months away, No Kid Hungry Texas plans to advocate for the implementation of a summer electronic benefit transfer (EBT) program in 2025 and beyond.
This national program aims to reduce summertime hunger and address food access gaps by providing grocery benefits to families with children eligible for free and reduced-price meals. “This program can help offset those increased grocery costs that families are facing in the absence of school meals during the summertime,” Medina explained.
The growing concern over rising grocery costs and food insecurity in Texas underscores the urgent need for policy changes and support programs to help families navigate these challenges.
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As the cost of living continues to rise, more Texans are finding themselves struggling to put food on the table, making it clear that action is needed to address this pressing issue.