Voters possess an inherent right to voice their grievances, and indeed, that is one of the cornerstones of a functioning democracy. However, in the heat of political discourse, it becomes imperative to contextualize our concerns within the broader tapestry of history. Failing to do so can lead us into a detrimental cycle of despair that distorts our understanding of current realities.
Consider the escalating prices at the grocery store. Recent polls indicate that approximately two-thirds of Americans deem groceries “unaffordable,” a sentiment fueling a surge in support for radical economic proposals, such as Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s ambitious plan for a city-owned supermarket chain costing $70 million. Concurrently, some right-wing populists are urging former President trump to redirect his attention from foreign conflicts to the domestic challenge of combating rising food costs. Yet, this perspective overlooks a crucial historical context: we are not in the midst of an unprecedented food crisis.
To illustrate, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that in 1901, American families allocated a staggering 42% of their disposable income to food. By 1945, that figure had decreased to 23%, and further declined to 15% by 1965 and approximately 12% by 1985. Today, this number stands at just 9.7%, driven predominantly by a cultural shift towards dining out and food delivery services. When we focus solely on grocery shopping, the average family actually spends a mere 7.9% of its budget on food, and savvy consumers can often manage to spend even less.
Moreover, one must consider the remarkable variety and quality of food available to the modern consumer. The American diet is arguably the most diverse in the world, featuring a plethora of global cuisines and year-round access to products that were once seasonal luxuries. Efficient global supply chains allow consumers to purchase fresh produce from Central America, beverages from Asia, and delicacies from Europe—all at affordable prices. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) corroborates this by noting that Americans spend a smaller percentage of their income on food than any other population globally.
Despite these realities, a prevailing misperception persists among voters that the economy, particularly concerning food prices, is deteriorating. Since Trump took office, food prices have actually risen at a rate slower than overall inflation, remaining well within pre-COVID ranges. Historically, retail food prices tend to increase by 2% to 3% annually; in 2025, they rose by 3% overall—yet only 2.4% within supermarkets.
This year, we have witnessed a 3% increase in food prices, with home grocery costs rising by 2.7%. Contrary to popular belief, many families’ wages have kept pace with these increases. Over the past decade, wages have surged by over 46%, while food prices have increased approximately 34%. Although the inflationary pressures stemming from pandemic-related policies cannot be ignored, many recent spikes in grocery costs are attributed to external factors, such as avian flu outbreaks affecting egg prices and drought conditions impacting beef costs—challenges that are largely beyond governmental control.
In a striking contrast to the oil industry, which boasts fluctuating profit margins and has faced criticism from political figures, the grocery sector operates on notoriously thin margins, averaging around 2%. As of 2026, supermarkets reported a mere 1.32% net profit. Thus, the notion that “Big Grocery” is exploiting consumers appears unfounded.
Every generation’s perception of hardship is influenced by its unique circumstances. It’s essential to recognize that, for the majority of human history—over 300,000 years—survival was a constant struggle, with many teetering on the brink of starvation. Today, we inhabit a world where multi-billion-dollar industries exist to help us eat less, not more.
In light of this, it is prudent to step back from the pervasive pessimism that often permeates modern political rhetoric. One must appreciate the profound truth that we are living in an era marked by extraordinary affordability and abundance. With a deeper understanding of our historical context, we can engage in more constructive discussions about our economic realities.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
