Food costs have been a major concern for Americans, with prices rising by 28% since 2019.

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 1.6% increase in grocery store food prices over the last year, with meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rising by 3.8% and fruits and vegetables by 1.1%.

The USDA predicts a further 1.6% increase in grocery prices by 2025.

Many families are turning to food banks and pantries, SNAP benefits, and budgeting strategies to cope with rising food costs and inflation, with some finding relief and support through these resources.

Elizabeth Ross, a Northern California-based mom with a young daughter, says to help with her grocery costs, she started going to a food bank. “I go to my food bank every other week. They have a reservation system online. I fill out what I need and my preferences and they do their best to meet everyone’s needs. I typically get a produce bag. Often extra produce because there is always extra and most people don’t want it or don’t have the means to store it,” she explains.

Parents.com writes that Keishly Cartagena, a mom of three based in Pennsylvania, says that she prefers food pantries over food banks.

What she appreciates about her local food pantry is that they give you food based on the amount of people in your household. “Some food banks just give you a box of items and that’s it. The food pantry has more resources when it comes to donations of the food. You get better options such as fresh fruit and vegetables,” she explains.

Strategies such as budget-friendly meal planning, comparison shopping, and reducing food waste can help families stretch their grocery budgets further.

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