A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that nearly 90% of American adults are stressed about the rising cost of groceries. Approximately half of the respondents identified grocery expenses as a major source of stress, while an additional 33% described it as a minor stressor. The increase in food prices notably affects items such as poultry, ground beef, and eggs. This financial pressure on consumers comes amid a broader trend of rising essential expenses, with housing, healthcare, and tuition now accounting for 37% of consumer spending, up from 22% in 1960. The poll highlights the growing economic strain on U.S. households as essential costs consume a larger share of income, reducing discretionary spending capacity.