What began as a disruption in supply chains during the early stages of COVID-19 quickly evolved into the fastest period of food price increases since the 1970s. From meat and dairy to pantry staples and coffee, Americans faced higher grocery bills across nearly every category and are still feeling the repercussions today. Even as overall inflation has cooled in 2024 and 2025, grocery prices remain elevated—and for many items, these increases have not subsided.
Persistent food price inflation has had measurable effects on household budgets and food security. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of food at home—groceries purchased for consumption at home—climbed 29.4% between March 2020 and December 2025. These higher food costs have pushed the average monthly household grocery budget to nearly $700. Moreover, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Price Outlook projects a 2.3% increase in food-at-home prices in 2026, all but confirming that elevated grocery prices are likely to persist.
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