Urgent Survey: One in Three Californians Cut Food Spending

URGENT UPDATE: A shocking new survey reveals that nearly one in three Californians have cut back on food spending to save money, highlighting a growing crisis as grocery prices continue to soar. The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) conducted this urgent survey from October 16 to 30, 2025, as millions faced disrupted food benefits amid rising costs.

As inflation drives food prices up by approximately 3% nationwide over the past year, half of lower-income Californians report that their households have reduced food purchases. “Lower-income Californians are particularly vulnerable,” stated Mark Baldassare, survey director at PPIC. Many families are struggling to put food on the table as economic pressures mount.

The situation worsened for California’s 5.3 million SNAP benefit recipients, who faced delays in federal assistance payments during the recent government shutdown. Thousands have turned to food banks across the Bay Area, intensifying the immediate need for support. Although assistance is resuming, new work requirements set to take effect next month under President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill are raising alarms. Critics fear that these policies could lead to millions losing vital food support.

Furthermore, the survey indicates that 70% of Californians anticipate serious economic challenges in the coming year. Despite this anxiety, about 75% express some satisfaction with their household finances. To combat the ongoing economic turmoil, a vast majority of respondents support increased public spending for job training (78%), childcare programs (73%), and a new government health insurance option (79%).

However, confidence in elected officials is low. Survey results show that only 52% of Californians approve of Governor Gavin Newsom, while state lawmakers received 46% support. Approval ratings for President Trump stand at just 27%, and Congress has a dismal 17% approval rate.

Baldassare emphasizes a growing sense of pessimism among Californians regarding economic stability and affordability, stating, “Californians have been gloomy about the economy and affordability for several years now, and it’s altering their big-picture thinking.”

The PPIC survey included responses from 2,306 adult residents and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. As the economic landscape continues to shift, the urgent need for effective policy changes is more pressing than ever.

As developments in food assistance and economic policy unfold, stay tuned for further updates on this critical situation affecting millions across California.