Grocery costs remain a pressure point as midterm elections approach

U.S. grocery prices rose 2.7% in the year through July, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, while prices have climbed more than 20% over the past five years. Food prices remain a major concern as voters prepare for the midterm elections.

An Associated Press-NORC poll found that 41% of Americans worried about affording groceries in the coming months, up from 24% in April. Nearly half said grocery costs were a major source of stress.

Food economist David Ortega said shoppers are reacting to both recent inflation and the accumulated effect of higher prices since the pandemic. The issue has become a focus in competitive congressional races, while the White House says administration policies have lowered prices for some essentials.

Read the full story at abcnews.com.