Millions of older Americans are struggling to afford groceries as food prices continue to rise faster than many fixed incomes, according to a report by Iowa Public Radio and Harvest Public Media.

Food prices nationwide rose 3 percent between June 2025 and June 2026, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data. The increase comes after several years of elevated grocery costs, including a nearly 10 percent surge in 2022.

Some everyday staples have climbed much faster than the overall rate. Beef and veal prices were up 11.8 percent from a year earlier, while fresh vegetables rose 9.9 percent. Fish and seafood increased 6.3 percent.

The impact can be especially severe for retirees who depend largely on Social Security and other fixed sources of income. Unlike working Americans, older people may have little opportunity to increase their earnings when grocery, housing and utility bills rise.

More than 7.4 million Americans age 60 and older experienced food insecurity in 2023, according to the National Council on Aging. That amounts to roughly one in 11 older Americans.

The pressure is forcing some seniors to change what they buy. The report found that some are cutting back on fresh produce, choosing cheaper processed foods, stretching meals longer or even weighing food costs against medication expenses. AARP data cited by the outlet also showed that nearly half of older adults with credit card debt use their cards to buy food.

At food banks across parts of the Midwest, workers say they are seeing growing demand from older Americans. At one recent food distribution in Humboldt, Nebraska, nearly 200 people showed up, and at least half were seniors.

For seniors already living close to the edge, continued grocery inflation can quickly turn routine shopping into a difficult choice between necessities.