Overcoming Rising Food Costs: How Floridians Are Falling Into Debt, Revealed by New Poll – CNW Network

A new poll by No Kid Hungry Florida shows that many residents are struggling to afford food. For the third consecutive year, Floridians say rising food prices are putting serious pressure on their wallets. The survey reveals that more than half of those asked (52%) took on more debt over the last year just to provide meals for their families. A staggering 85% believe food costs are climbing faster than their income, up from 78% earlier this year. Families with children are hit the hardest, with 63% reporting significant financial strain.

Sky Beard, director of No Kid Hungry Florida, shared insights on this worrying trend. “Floridians are dipping into savings and skipping healthy choices like fresh produce because they can’t keep up with grocery prices,” she said. The consequences are severe, affecting not just finances, but also physical and mental health.

The survey also highlights alarming trends. Two-thirds of adults and 72% of parents reported having to choose between buying nutritious food and covering basic needs like rent or transportation. Over 65% of families say their diets have become less healthy due to high food prices. The impact isn’t just on adults; 40% of parents noticed their children’s physical health declining, and 33% reported worsening mental health among kids.

Personal stories from respondents illustrate the situation. One mom from Orange County said, “The higher food costs force us to pick cheap, unhealthy options. Sometimes, I even have to choose between food and filling my gas tank.” A dad in Lee County remarked, “We’ve been skipping meals lately, which really affects our energy.”

Amid these struggles, Sky Beard emphasized the urgent need for change. “We have solutions to end hunger, and Floridians want to see action. An overwhelming 90% of Floridians want elected officials to do more to combat childhood hunger,” she said.

Historical context shows that food affordability has been a growing concern in recent years. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices surged 10.4% in 2021, the highest one-year increase in over four decades. This trend continues, and many families are feeling the pinch, leading to widespread discussions on social media about the importance of food security.

With nearly one in six Floridians experiencing food insecurity, the need for action is now more critical than ever. You can explore more about food affordability issues and potential solutions at No Kid Hungry.

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