The increasing inflation in supermarkets has reshaped the way Americans purchase food, leading to changes in family meals and overall diets as individuals strive to make ends meet. Higher food prices disproportionately affect those with lower incomes, limiting their access to nutritious foods and impacting their long-term health. In particular, the cost of healthy foods has significantly risen, with studies showing that Americans are paying 40% more for fruits and vegetables due to substantial fixed costs in the supply chain, resulting in reduced consumption of these essential food items. A recent national survey by the Cleveland Clinic in 2022 revealed that the perceived high cost of healthy foods is the primary barrier to adopting a healthier diet, as nearly half of respondents (46%) indicated. Consequently, many Americans are resorting to consuming sugary and heavily processed foods, which are often more affordable and have a longer shelf life, while neglecting fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich whole foods. Despite efforts by government programs to promote and subsidize healthy foods, the issue continues to escalate.
Constance Brown-Riggs, a registered nurse and nutritionist specializing in diabetes care, emphasized the influence of inflation on food choices, particularly among low-income individuals who prioritize affordability over nutritional value. According to the International Food Information Council’s 2024 Food & Health Survey, a significant majority of American consumers prioritize price when making food purchases, although only slightly over half (55%) of low-income households consider healthfulness as a top factor. In contrast, households earning $100,000 or more prioritize healthfulness over price. This disparity underscores the impact of income on food priorities, with higher food prices exacerbating food insecurity and increasing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. The US Department of Agriculture’s Healthy Eating Index highlights the need for improvements in American diets, with recent data revealing an average score of 58 out of 100 for individuals above the age of 2, signaling a concerning trend.
The rising prices of healthy foods are particularly affecting low-income families, as shown by data from the USDA’s Healthy Eating Index analyzed by Northwell Health in partnership with Stacker. This trend, compounded by the broader economic challenges, forces consumers to make tough decisions about their food choices. The USDA reported that in 2023, 18 million households in the US faced food insecurity, with 3.2 million families with children having to cut down on meals due to financial constraints. With the escalating costs of groceries, many Americans are struggling to afford nutritious foods, leading to compromises in their shopping habits and dietary quality.
Choosing affordable foods may have a negative impact on long-term health. When considering cost, many people opt for processed foods which are budget-friendly, have a longer shelf life, and provide a quick feeling of fullness due to their high carbohydrate content, according to Aimee Aristotelous, a nutritionist and bestselling author. These convenient and calorie-dense options, including breakfast cereals, pasta, deli meats, sugary beverages, and packaged desserts, lack essential nutrients and offer empty calories. The average American diet, when influenced by cost, often lacks whole foods, Aristotelous explained.
Government initiatives like SNAP and WIC aim to assist low-income individuals in purchasing healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Local programs, like the Green Carts program in New York City, work to increase access to fresh produce in communities. While these efforts help, the trend of unhealthy eating persists, influenced by factors like inflation. To prioritize healthy foods on a budget, Aristotelous recommends eliminating empty-calorie items like soda and chips and opting for more nutritious choices like sweet potatoes, lentils, and canned fish.
To save money, Aristotelous suggests buying in bulk and choosing plant-based proteins like beans and lentils as cost-effective alternatives to meat. Ultimately, prioritizing whole foods over processed options can lead to significant savings and improved overall wellness.
It takes attention—and not just on an individual level. As noted by the American Heart Association, structural racism and neighborhood segregation play a significant role in determining what ends up on people’s dinner plates. These systemic challenges have given rise to “food deserts” and environments that particularly burden Black and Hispanic communities. The government defines a food desert as an area with a poverty rate of at least 20% where at least 33% of the population reside more than 1 mile (or 10 miles in rural areas) away from a grocery store. In these areas, residents often require access to public transportation or a vehicle, along with the cost of gas, to reach the nearest supermarket. This added expense in transportation further increases the challenge of finding nutritious foods, considering that transportation ranks as the second-highest household expense following housing and has also experienced significant inflationary spikes. Studies have shown that fast-food establishments and marketing for processed foods and beverages tend to be prevalent in food deserts, presenting residents with an unhealthy yet more convenient and affordable choice.
Beyond offering individual financial assistance, efforts can be made to implement broader initiatives, such as establishing gardens at schools, providing incentives for grocery stores to open in underserved neighborhoods, and offering educational programs that raise awareness about the advantages of healthy eating. “We need a concerted effort from various angles,” emphasized renowned nutrition expert Penny Kris-Etherton in a statement to the American Heart Association. “It needs to be a comprehensive approach spanning multiple sectors, and it truly needs to be interconnected.”
This article was edited by Carren Jao and Elisa Huang. Copy editing was done by Paris Close, and photo selection was overseen by Clarese Moller. Originally featured on Northwell Health, this piece was created and shared in collaboration with Stacker Studio.
