Food Insecurity Rises Among U.S. Consumers
A dunnhumby survey finds one in three U.S. consumers skipped meals or cut meal sizes for financial reasons in the past year.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Spending
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In its 13th wave of the Consumer Trends Tracker, released from Cincinnati, dunnhumby reported that 34% of U.S. consumers skipped meals or cut meal sizes in the past year for financial reasons, up 7 percentage points since December. Food insecurity rose across income and age groups.
Why it matters
The increase comes as SNAP participation has fallen by approximately 5.2 million people since the 2025 federal budget law took effect and food-at-home costs remain 12.4% higher than in May 2022. For households across the United States, rising food costs and reduced assistance are squeezing grocery budgets.
Approximately 5.2 million fewer people participate in SNAP since the 2025 federal budget law took effect, and food-at-home costs are 12.4% above May 2022 levels. The survey does not separate how much of the food-insecurity rise is tied to each factor.
The players
dunnhumby
A customer data science company that runs the Consumer Trends Tracker survey, which produced the food-insecurity findings reported here.
Food Research & Action Center
A nonprofit anti-hunger advocacy organization that compiled USDA data on SNAP participation used in this report.
The details
Consumers 65 and older reported not having enough to eat at 17%, nearly doubling from the prior measure, while 43% of households earning less than $50,000 and 39% of families with children reported food insecurity. Gas prices have hovered above $4.00 a gallon for most of the year, adding to financial strain.
Timeline
May 2022: Baseline comparison point for food-at-home costs.
2025: Federal budget law took effect, followed by the decline in SNAP participation.
December: Prior survey wave used for comparison.
November 4, 2026: dunnhumby findings published.
Market Dynamics
The rise in skipped meals follows the SNAP enrollment drop triggered by the 2025 federal budget law, which shifted food-assistance eligibility and reduced the number of households receiving benefits. Food-at-home prices remaining 12.4% above May 2022 levels indicate that the cost pressure is persisting rather than reversing.
Households relying on grocery budgets may need to reassess monthly spending as food-at-home costs stay elevated. Shoppers who skip meals or cut portions face immediate pressure on household finances, and those without emergency savings may struggle to absorb unexpected expenses.
The takeaway
Tracking household grocery spending against food-at-home price trends can help families identify early signs of financial strain. Reviewing eligibility for food-assistance programs may also help households cover essential food costs.
Further reading
Explore more on Spending to see how grocery and household costs are shaping consumer budgets.
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