The majority of U.S. adults are at least somewhat concerned about food prices amid rising living costs and concerns about the impact of new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, according to a new poll by the Associated Press and the National Center for Public Opinion Research at the University of Chicago, BTA reported.
About half of respondents say food prices are currently causing them a "lot" of stress, while 33% say it is a "little" source of concern. Only 14% said they were not at all concerned about food prices.
Other financial factors such as housing prices or their bank savings also cause widespread concern, but mainly among younger Americans, who are less likely than older Americans to have significant savings or own real estate.
About 40% of respondents under the age of 45 say they have used so-called "buy now, pay later" services to cover their expenses for entertainment or meals at restaurants, or when paying for essential goods such as groceries or medical care.
The survey results show that food is one of the most impactful sources of anxiety, affecting both young and old.
Americans over the age of 60 are less likely to have serious financial worries about their homes and savings, child care, or credit card debt. But this segment of the population is just as worried about food prices as younger Americans.
The share of respondents with the lowest incomes (under $30,000 per household per year) who say that food costs are a "main" cause for concern, stands at 64%. By comparison, about 40% of respondents with household incomes of $100,000 or more say so. But only two in 10 of those with higher incomes say they are not at all concerned about food prices.