For the third year in a row, Floridians say it is getting harder to afford food, a new poll commissioned by No Kid Hungry Florida reveals. The survey highlights growing financial strain, with many residents taking on debt to feed their families.
More than half (52%) of respondents reported an increase in debt over the past 12 months due to rising food costs. An overwhelming 85% said food prices are rising faster than their income — up from 78% in March 2024. Families with children are feeling the greatest impact, with 63% reporting harm to their financial well-being.
“Floridians are pulling from their savings, foregoing retirement, and being forced to pass up on healthy options like protein and fresh produce to afford their groceries each month,” said Sky Beard, director of No Kid Hungry Florida. “This alarming trend has real, lasting consequences: in addition to increased debt, many reported their physical and mental health has suffered as a result.”
Two-thirds of adults, and 72% of parents and guardians, say they must choose between buying enough nutritious food and other essentials such as gas or transportation, rent or mortgage, utilities, health care, education expenses, or saving for retirement.
In the last year, 65% of families said their diets became less nutritious because of food costs. This has taken a toll on physical and mental health, with 61% of parents and guardians reporting negative physical health effects and 68% reporting impacts on their mental health. Despite efforts to shield children, 40% of parents noticed a decline in their children’s physical health and 33% observed worsening mental health.
Several respondents shared their experiences:
“The rising costs of food has made it to where my family has to eat unhealthier options because they are cheaper. I also have to choose between food and filling up my gas tank sometimes. It’s really terrible.” — a mom in Orange County
“We have eaten significantly less or skipping meals which has had a direct impact on energy levels overall in our household.” — a dad in Lee County
“Mentally, it feels impossible. Things just keep getting worse and it feels like nothing will ever be affordable ever again.” — a man in Palm Beach County
Beard emphasized the urgency for action: “It doesn’t have to be this way — we have proven solutions to end hunger, and Floridians want to see action now. The vast majority (90%) of Floridians, across the political spectrum, are asking Florida’s elected officials to do more to end childhood hunger.”
