This year, grocery store prices will be higher from a year ago. But USDA economists say the increases won’t be nearly as bad as last year.
Economist Matt MacLacklan predicts an increase of about 6% this year. “Without a major change in trends, we don’t expect to be going over 6%", he said. “For food at home, we are expecting prices increases to be between 4.4 and 6.1%. Right now, year to date, if we were to take just the average prices we have observed from July, we’re at 4.8% compared to 2022.”
Food shoppers last year saw grocery prices increase 11.5% from the previous year. The 6% estimate for this year is on top of that increase, as prices have not come down.
For next year, USDA estimates prices will increase another 2%.
Related Stories
Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas joins us to discuss the Food for Peace program’s Kansas roots, its place in the Farm Bill, and the importance of the USDA’s visit to the state.
While a ceasefire remains in place, overnight missile attacks are raising questions about its stability.
Washington growers say this year’s cherry crop may be smaller than last season but still strong enough to support promotions.
USDA approves disaster aid for Pennsylvania orchard and specialty crop growers after April freezes caused major crop damage statewide.
Texas officials say sterile fly releases and expanded surveillance efforts are helping slow the spread of the flesh-eating pest.
Applications are open through July 27, 2026, on Grants.gov.
