Half of Americans are skipping meals because grocery prices are so high, poll finds

Empty stomachs are becoming more common as grocery prices soar, a new study has found.

Half of Americans reported skipping meals now because of rising food prices, according to a survey, conducted in August, by financial firm Self Financial.

Grocery prices have risen 28 percent from September 2020 to September 2026, federal data shows, with items like ground beef rising 67 percent and coffee soaring 108 per cent.

"The rising cost of food is having an impact beyond what people put in their grocery carts," the research noted. Respondents said high grocery prices impacted their mental health and stress levels more than physical activity and fitness, diet and nutrition, and sleep and rest, according to the poll of around 1,000 people.

Americans' affordability struggles are a bad sign for President Donald Trump and Republicans ahead of next week's midterm elections. Multiple polls reveal a country that's frustrated with the economy and prices for everyday things like groceries and gas.

The price of ground beef has risen by more than 65 percent over the past six years, putting more pressure on shoppers who are feeling a financial pinch (Getty Images)

Some 69 percent of voters disapprove of the cost of living under Trump, and another 73 percent of voters don't approve of Trump's handling of gas prices, a survey Wednesday by the The New York Times and Siena University found.

That widespread disapproval has made voters think that Democrats will do a better job of improving the cost of living and in other key areas, said Siena Research Institute Executive Director Don Levy.

"Voters are dissatisfied with both the Democratic and Republican parties but they see Democrats as more trusted to do a better job on the economy, the cost of living, gas prices, health care, corruption, foreign wars and AI by between eight and twenty points," Levy said.

In the meantime, Americans are enduring a tough financial reality that goes beyond grocery-store aisles. Average gas prices have hit $4 or higher for more days in 2026 than any other previous year, according to price-tracking site GasBuddy.

'Some 69 percent of voters disapprove of the cost of living under Trump, and another 73 percent of voters don't approve of Trump's handling of gas prices,' a recent survey found (AP)

New federal data revealed that the average cost of all grades of unleaded gas is higher in Trump's second term than under President Joe Biden's term.

Over the past year, the increased cost of essentials like groceries and gas has left just over 60 percent of households earning $50,000 or less living paycheck to paycheck, according to a September study from investment bank Goldman Sachs.