Food Costs in America: What CPI Data Shows About Inflation and How Heritage Foundation USA Is Responding
June 13, 2025
Food costs in America have increased sharply since 2020.
According to CPI‑U data, overall food inflation has risen more than 25%.
Staples like meats, poultry, fish and eggs are now harder to afford.
Egg prices doubled in 2022 alone.
Heritage Foundation USA is responding to this crisis by supporting families facing the impact of high food prices and decreased food access.
How Much Have Food Prices Increased Since 2020?
Data from the Consumer Price Index food category shows:
Overall food inflation from January 2020 to 2025 is over 25%
Price of food at home rose nearly 30% in the same period
Healthy food more expensive than before, widening access gaps
Meats, poultry, fish and eggs inflation is among the highest subcategories
Egg prices doubled, hitting low-income households first
These numbers reflect direct costs passed to consumers.
People with fixed or low incomes are being priced out of nutritious diets.
Who Is Most Affected by Rising Food Costs?
Families making trade-offs between essentials.
Households skipping meals to pay rent or energy bills.
Seniors on fixed incomes reducing grocery trips.
Working parents relying on cheaper, lower-nutrient foods.
Students dropping meal plans and skipping breakfast.
These groups are forced into long-term food insecurity by rising food prices.
How Heritage Foundation USA Is Responding to Food Price Inflation
We provide:
Direct relief to families affected by food price inflation since January 2020
Fresh food and staples through mobile delivery in high-need areas
Assistance to communities struggling with CPI‑U documented food inflation
Grocery support to households most impacted by egg prices doubled and similar spikes
We rely on current CPI data to target efforts efficiently.
What You Can Do to Support Families Facing Higher Food Costs
You can help deliver real food to people who are being priced out of their grocery stores.
Your support helps us provide:
Protein-rich food boxes to offset meats, poultry, fish and eggs inflation
Budget-friendly meal staples for seniors and students
Emergency pantry support in zip codes most impacted by food costs in America
Food costs in America are rising faster than paychecks.
