The survey of 30,000 Americans across income groups showed that 90% of respondents identified groceries and food prices as one of their biggest financial worries. Inflation has moderated from its post-pandemic peaks, but food prices continue to climb. According to the latest Consumer Price Index, consumer prices eased in June overall, yet food costs still increased, leaving grocery prices about 3% higher than a year earlier. The Urban Institute found that nearly one in 10 adults used buy now, pay later services to purchase groceries. Researchers say these borrowing habits reflect years of steadily increasing food prices rather than a temporary spike.