Floridians Struggle as Food Prices Spike, Debt Soars!

Lee County, Florida, USA - As the summer of 2025 unfolds in Florida, the struggle to put food on the table has never felt more pressing. A recent poll reveals that Floridians are increasingly being pushed into debt due to soaring food prices that far outpace their incomes. Commissioned by No Kid Hungry Florida, the survey highlights just how serious the situation has become for families across the state.

For the third consecutive year, many in Florida report having difficulties affording basic nutrition. Indeed, 52% of those surveyed stated they’ve racked up additional debt over the past 12 months, directly connected to food expenses. Alarmingly, an overwhelming 85% of respondents believe that food prices are rising faster than their income—a significant jump from 78% in March 2024. Families with children are feeling the brunt of this crisis, as 63% report that their financial well-being has suffered.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

The findings from the poll conducted by Change Research indicate that Floridians are making painful sacrifices just to afford their groceries. Two-thirds of adults and a staggering 72% of parents or guardians are forced to choose between nutritious food and other essentials like gas, rent, or utilities. This tough balancing act has taken its toll on dietary quality, with 65% of families noticing a decline in the nutritional value of their meals over the past year.

The repercussions of this crisis extend beyond just the family budget. Negative impacts on physical and mental health are widespread; 61% of parents reported adverse effects on their overall health, while 68% noted declines in mental well-being. Alarmingly, 40% of parents have seen their children’s physical health deteriorate, and 33% reported declines in their children’s mental health. It’s clear that the food crisis is impacting more than just the pocketbook—it’s affecting families’ holistic well-being.

Childhood Hunger in Focus

The situation for children is particularly dire, as over 22.7% of children in Florida live in „food insecure“ homes, which means their households lack sufficient food for a healthy lifestyle. As USDA data shows, while the majority of U.S. households are able to secure food, nearly 18 million households, or 13.5%, faced food insecurity at some point in 2023. This is a stark reminder of the challenges our communities face, especially for families with children, where 17.9% are experiencing food insecurity.

This rising tide of hunger has sparked a collective call for action among Floridians, with 90% of respondents—regardless of political affiliation—urging elected officials to address childhood hunger. It’s a rallying cry that complements the mission of No Kid Hungry, a program dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to the nutrition they need for a healthy life.

So, what’s being done? Individuals can contribute in various ways to combat child hunger. Whether it’s learning about local initiatives, advocating for change, or donating to fundraising campaigns, there are many avenues to make a difference. As the community comes together, the hope is that we can alleviate the burden of food insecurity that weighs heavily on too many Florida families.