According to an Axios survey by The Harris Poll, most Americans believe it is harder to afford groceries compared to a year ago. The findings, released Thursday, show that 47% of the general public feel pain in their wallets, while 34% said that prices are about the same. Meanwhile, 19% of respondents think groceries are now easier to afford.
Among independents, 54% say groceries are more costly, compared to 50% of Democrats and 34% of Republicans. Republicans remained more split in their responses — with 28% arguing that they are easier to afford, while 37% say they are similar to last year.
The survey also found that 8 in 10 Americans believe the president has “significant influence” over the U.S. economy, and only 47% believe the current administration has had a positive impact on it, signaling a pressure point for Trump and the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterms. Less than 1 in 3 respondents maintain that tariffs have been beneficial for the economy, business or personal finances, while most Americans — standing at 63% — worry of shortages of key goods due to Trump’s signature policy.
I operate on a beans and rice budget; shit like an 6 ounce can of tomato past went from $0.60 to $1.00. Same sorts of price increases go for rice, beans, garbonzos and other canned/dry non perishables. Flour has gone up. Sugar has gone up. Don’t even get me started on the price of meat. Produce has gone up, A bulb of garlic cost $1.00 now, and where it used to be 30-50 cents. Green onions $1.50 when they used to be $1.00. Seeing similar price rises in cilantro, fresh corn, cucumbers, potatos, onions. I started making stuff from scratch to save money . . . aaaannnnd it’s gone.
Our grocery budget is up at least 50% in the last few months. Food is becoming stupid expensive.