American families are increasingly being pushed past their financial limits at the grocery checkout counter, turning to credit card debt just to keep food on the table, according to a new study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Data released Monday from the Urban Institute found that a cumulative 32% increase in food costs over the last five years has pushed more than one in four working-age Americans into credit card debt<\/a> just to cover their regular grocery bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Groceries are one of the largest household budget items for families. Over the past five years, food costs have increased substantially,” the report said<\/a>. “This means that families today face persistently higher prices when they go to the grocery store, and food affordability remains a key concern for many.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The report also found, “Between 2023 and 2025, the share of working-age adults who paid for groceries with a credit card and did not make the minimum payment increased, signaling worsening financial distress among families.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read it all<\/a>.<\/p> More Americans are relying on credit cards to buy groceries, new study finds https:\/\/t.co\/QLesWIlwnV<\/a><\/p>— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) July 13, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>