As the prices just to survive go up so does the cost of almost everything else. Over the past few decades, food and grocery prices have skyrocketed, making it almost impossible for some families to eat, let alone live.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) “all food prices are expected to increase by 2.9 percent in 2024, due to inflation and labor costs.”

Getting food on the table is already a struggle for many, and that’s before you factor in other costs such as gas, electric, water or mortgage. Many people are barely able to get by.

With this ongoing problem, what has the government done to at least aid these families?

The government has multiple programs and organizations to aid struggling families like Cal Fresh, food assistance, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In a study done by SoFi, the annual average cost of living for a four-person family is $53,076, or $4,423 per month. This doesn’t include miscellaneous expenses that come with having a home.

Even with government assistance, it is almost impossible for families to stay afloat in this difficult time. With such high prices, it makes it difficult for low income or the middle class to acquire high quality food.

So why are we so insentient in eating healthy when food is barely affordable?

Food programs can only get you so far. They can’t pay for rent or get you a high paying job. Pushing a healthy lifestyle and diet would be acceptable if it was affordable and accessible to everyone.

No one should have to worry about being able to provide for themselves or let alone their families. We are living in a time where we are being forced to survive instead of thriving.

With every new year, prices have only continued to increase. The future is still uncertain for upcoming generations.