How Rising Grocery Prices Are Forcing Families to Make Heartbreaking Choices in the Produce Aisle

If you remember having to eat your veggies as a kid before you could have dessert, you’re lucky that you had access to them at all. Produce has become so expensive recently that more parents have had to turn to cheaper processed foods rather than provide their families with fresh groceries. A recent study shows some concerning statistics about what Americans are eating.

Related: Major Retailers Are Warning That Your Weekly Grocery Bill Is About to Rise Again

What The Study Found

Americans have been feeling the pinch of this economy for almost two years now, with the last year being particularly bad. In fact, according to an Advance America survey, fruit and veggie prices have risen 6.1% from April 2025 to April 2026. 

This drastic increase in produce prices has left many Americans feeling that fresh food is beyond their financial reach. Some other statistics from the Advance America study show:

• 51% of respondents say their diet is less healthy than 2–3 years ago
• 48% are eating more processed foods because they’re cheaper
• 34% are buying fewer fruits and vegetables per trip
• 28% say healthy eating isn’t financially realistic for them
• Families are spending an average of $13 more/month on produce

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What Families Are Doing

A recent NPR report shows that nearly half of American families say they can’t afford basic necessities, including fresh, nutritious food. Another CDC report states that only 1 in 10 eat their recommended fruits and vegetables. 

Many families have switched to less expensive frozen and canned produce to help make up the difference. It is worth noting that frozen and canned fruits and veggies are as nutritious as their fresh counterparts, but the loss of options weighs heavily on consumers.

The Emotional Toll

Advance America revealed that 40% of respondents felt frustrated by recent prices, while 25% felt angry about the current situation. This isn’t an isolated finding; it’s a national conversation about the state of the country. The states hit hardest by these prices are North Dakota, Idaho, Arkansas, Georgia, and New Jersey, but the data show that every state has seen price increases. 

For the U.S. consumer, Laura McCutcheon’s quote from the published study could ring especially true. 

“Fresh fruit and vegetables should feel like basic groceries, not premium add-ons. When parents are skipping produce for themselves to keep buying it for their kids, that tells you everything about the kind of quiet sacrifices families are making right now,” said McCutcheon in a statement.

Related: Consumer Prices Officially Soared Past This Grim Benchmark, and It’s Not Just Gas and Groceries

What You Can Do

First and foremost, calling your state representative to make them aware of the financial hardships you’re facing is a good start. While we assume that our representatives know our struggles, the more people who report issues to them, the more likely they are to make those issues a priority. 

As far as purchasing food right now, here are three tips to take with you to the grocery store:

• Lean into frozen and canned produce. It’s still as nutritious but may be more affordable. Cans, especially, are shelf-stable and able to last a while if food prices continue to rise. 
• Using the EWG’s Clean Fifteen list to identify lower-pesticide produce that tends to be more affordable. When in doubt, clean produce with a mix of water and white vinegar to help remove harmful substances. 
• Utilize a local food bank in your area (and don’t feel bad about it; the more people use them, the more funding they get).

For so many years, the cornerstone of the American family has been sitting down to a meal around the dinner table. Broccoli may not have been considered a luxury at our family tables when we were kids, and it shouldn’t be now. 

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice.

• Advance America – “Priced Out of the Produce Aisle: What Our Survey Found”
• USDA Economic Research Service – “Food Price Outlook”
• NPR – “Nearly Half of U.S. Families Couldn’t Afford Basic Necessities in 2024”
• CDC – “Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Weight Status”
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – “Frozen Foods: Convenient and Nutritious”
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – “Are Canned Foods Nutritious For My Family?”
• Environmental Working Group – “Clean Fifteen: Conventional Produce with the Least Pesticides”
• Feeding America – “Find Your Local Food Bank”