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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe key driver: incomes are not keeping pace with the rising cost of food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A significant majority of survey respondents (78%) said the cost of food is rising faster than their income. Parents (83%) and Floridians living in rural communities (82%) are feeling the impact most acutely. Middle-income households are no exception, with more than two-thirds of those with an annual income between $50k \u2013 $99k reporting it\u2019s gotten harder to afford groceries in the past year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The impact is real: Floridians are sacrificing their time and being forced to purchase less healthy food options in an attempt to stretch their grocery budgets. Respondents reported shopping at multiple grocery stores (58%), shopping at less convenient locations for cheaper prices (48%), buying less protein (45%), or buying less or no fresh produce (40%) to extend their budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFamilies are facing a real crisis when it comes to affording food, and it\u2019s forcing many households to make difficult decisions that compromise their time and their health,\u201d said No Kid Hungry Florida Director Sky Beard. \u201cEven before they reach that checkout line, Floridians are passing by the produce aisle, putting food back on the shelves, skipping meals and even borrowing money to afford groceries \u2013 all because their wages simply aren\u2019t keeping up with the cost.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The impact of this affordability crisis is palpable, with more than a third (35%) of respondents reporting experiencing food insecurity in the past year. This is a staggering proportion of Floridians who are skipping meals entirely or not eating enough nutritious food because they can\u2019t afford to buy enough groceries for their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many respondents shared the healthy choices they could make were they not facing a constant struggle to stretch their grocery budgets<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI would buy the healthiest food available for my family, cook at home more frequently, and model healthy food habits more consistently,\u201d said one dad from Polk County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These healthier choices significantly impact health and academic performance: \u201cMy kids and I would definitely eat healthier! Better food equals better performance \u2014 better performance in every department,\u201d a Walton County mom shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The overwhelming majority want action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n