How much disposable income are consumers spending to put food on the table?

It comes as no surprise grocery proces have taken steep climbs in recent years.

New data from USDA shows just how much disposable income consumers are spending to put food on the table.

They found that in 2023, U.S. consumers spent around 11 percent of their disposable income on food, and that is right in line with spending levels in 2022.

“Food at home” purchases fell a couple of points during 2023, with “food away from home” jumping nearly half a percent.

They place the rise on more disposable income, with consumers starting to return to outside the home eateries.

Related Stories
Rising fuel costs will soon increase grain transportation expenses.
The five-day auction drew up to 6,000 people and saw steady prices throughout the event
Processing disruptions could impact cattle markets if the strike continues.
At the White House’s “Celebration of Agriculture,” the Trump Administration announced a slate of policies to support farmers and ranchers, including biofuel mandates, SBA loan programs, and new labeling policies to boost domestic markets for ag products.
Expanded access could boost demand for U.S. exports.
Margins shift across the chain based on timing.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney shares insights from new Real Agri-Studies research surrounding the relationship between farmers and their lenders and what it reveals about the current farm economy.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum explains how geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East could further tighten fertilizer movement, increase fuel costs, and complicate planting decisions for U.S. farmers this spring.
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins discusses the potential impact of data center growth on farmland, the Landowner Fairness Act, and key priorities for Missouri farmers heading into planting season.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold provides insights on supporting aging populations in rural communities on this week’s Rural Health Matters segment.
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.