According to a new poll commissioned by No Kid Hungry Florida, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to put food on the table.
In the survey, nearly three-quarters (72%) of Floridians indicated that it has been more difficult to afford groceries in recent years.
A main driver: an overwhelming majority (78%) stated food prices are rising faster than their income.
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Parents and Floridians living in rural areas are being struck the hardest. Most parents (82%) and rural respondents (92%) said it was more difficult to afford groceries in the previous year.
“Just how many Floridians are struggling to afford food for their families will come as a surprise for many,” said No Kid Hungry Florida Director Sky Beard said in a release. “Our poll shows rising food prices are outpacing families’ incomes, forcing many to sacrifice healthy options like fresh produce and protein and shop at multiple locations to stretch their grocery budget. Floridians are increasingly stressed about how to afford enough nutritious food, particularly families with children and those living in rural parts of the state.”
According to the survey, food insecurity affects all income levels, with middle- and low-income Floridians experiencing significant hunger.
More than half (60%) of households earning $50-99k (Florida’s median income is 67,917) and the vast majority (89%) of those earning less than $50k reported at least one indicator of food insecurity.
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Many people are sacrificing their time and health to stretch their food budgets. More than half (58%) reported shopping at numerous places, shopping at less convenient locations because it was cheaper (48%), purchasing less protein (45%), or purchasing little or no fresh produce (40%) to stretch their grocery budget.
“This crisis is being experienced in every part of the state, and Floridians are united in saying they want bipartisan action to end child hunger,” said Beard.
Floridians shared how their lives would be different if they weren’t struggling to stretch their grocery budget:
“I would buy the healthiest food available for my family, cook at home more frequently, and model healthy food habits more consistently,” said a Polk County resident and Florida Hunger Survey respondent.
“My kids and I would definitely eat healthy! Better food equals better performance. Better performance in every department,” shared another respondent in Walton County.
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