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For many American parents, grocery shopping has become an increasingly stressful experience. According to the Hunger Matters for Kids survey, commissioned by No Kid Hungry and conducted by Change Research, 67% of parents said they are more worried about putting food on the table than they were a year ago, a sharp increase from 44% in 2024. The findings highlight the growing financial pressure many households face as food prices and other living expenses remain elevated.
The survey also found that 51% of parents said their household had difficulty affording essential food over the past 12 months. Meanwhile, only 21% reported that their family consistently has enough food to eat. Nearly nine in ten parents cited concerns about the rising cost of living, energy prices, and inflation.
Many families say broader economic conditions are making matters worse. Nearly 87% of parents agreed that the economy is making it harder to afford enough food, while three-quarters said rising gas and energy costs have made feeding their families more difficult.
Parents Are Making Difficult Sacrifices to Feed Their Children
As budgets tighten, many households are being forced to make painful decisions. According to the survey, one-quarter of parents reported running out of food before they had enough money to buy more. Families are increasingly stretching resources to ensure children have access to meals.
Some parents are sacrificing their own needs to protect their children from hunger. Separate reporting on the survey found that many adults are skipping meals or eating less so their children can eat, while others are cutting back on essential household expenses to free up money for groceries.
Research has long shown that food insecurity can have serious consequences for children. For example, studies have linked inadequate access to nutritious food with poorer physical health, increased stress, and challenges in school performance, highlighting the importance of consistent access to healthy meals during childhood.
Financial Stress Is Taking a Toll on Parents’ Mental Health
Beyond the financial burden, the inability to consistently afford food is creating significant emotional strain. The survey found that 65% of parents reported increased stress and concern about food affordability, while 71% said grocery costs cause daily anxiety.
Many parents also reported feelings of guilt when they struggle to provide enough food for their families. Three-quarters of respondents said they experience a sense of “parental failure” when they cannot adequately feed their household, underscoring the emotional impact of economic hardship.
The stress appears particularly pronounced among younger parents. The report found that Gen Z parents were more likely to experience food affordability challenges and more likely to report negative effects on their mental health from worrying about feeding their children.
Food Assistance Programs May Become Even More Important
As more families struggle to afford groceries, food banks and nutrition assistance programs continue to play a critical role. Survey results show that many households are turning to relatives, friends, community food banks, and government assistance programs to help cover food costs.
At the same time, policymakers are debating the future of some nutrition benefits. Recent proposals would reduce funding for portions of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program that help low-income families purchase fruits and vegetables, a move critics argue could make healthy foods even less accessible for vulnerable children.
With summer months often limiting children’s access to school meal programs, advocates warn that food insecurity could worsen if economic pressures continue. The latest survey suggests that for millions of American parents, feeding their families remains one of the most urgent and stressful challenges they face today.