35% of Floridians are buying less fresh produce, while 49% of households with children say rising grocery costs have led them to skip meals or eat less, according to two new statewide surveys.
Food inflation is driving the squeeze: May CPI rose 4.2%, fresh fruits and vegetables climbed 6.7% year over year, and tomatoes jumped 32% while lettuce rose 24.9%.
82% of respondents said food costs are rising faster than income; 49% said they have fallen deeper into debt, and 27% are using buy-now-pay-later plans for groceries.
Food banks in Sarasota, DeSoto, Volusia and Flagler counties report longer lines as families swap fresh items for canned or processed foods to keep up with rent, gas and medical bills.
Economists say even if the Iran war winds down, grocery prices are unlikely to fall soon because transportation, tariffs and fertilizer costs are still feeding through the supply chain.
With prices unlikely to fall, is the affordable family grocery trip now a thing of the past?
How can local food systems be shielded from the economic shockwaves of distant international conflicts?
Florida’s 2026 Food Crisis: How Climate, Policy, and Supply Chains Are Driving Up Produce Prices and Hunger
Overview
In mid-2026, Floridians are facing a tough economic situation as rising food costs make it harder to afford fresh produce, directly affecting dietary health. The national all items index rose 3.8 percent and the food index increased by 3.2 percent over the past year, putting extra pressure on household budgets. This surge in prices is making food insecurity worse across the country, especially for families with children. As a result, many people are struggling to access nutritious foods, highlighting the growing gap between food costs and healthy eating in Florida.