Polls Show Rising Food Insecurity as Tariffs Push U.S. Grocery Costs Higher

New surveys point to mounting strain on U.S. households as food costs continue to climb. A Morning Consult poll released this week found 15.6% of adults say they do not have enough to eat, while an Associated Press–NORC Center survey shows 86% feel at least some stress over grocery bills, including 53% who call it a major anxiety. Consumers report shifting their behaviour in response. A Bread Financial study indicates 78% have already altered how they shop because of higher tariffs on imported goods, and more than one-third are stocking up on favourite items ahead of further price increases. Shopping advisers recommend using store apps, weekly coupons and delivery-service promotions to offset rising costs. Economists warn that the stiff tariffs imposed in April on a broad range of imports—from coffee and olive oil to fresh produce—are likely to feed through to supermarket shelves in coming months, adding to household pressure at a time when many Americans already say they are cutting meals or dipping into savings.