Fact Check: The price of groceries in the U.S. rose by 28% over five years.

Fact Check: "The price of groceries in the U.S. rose by 28% over five years."

What We Know

The claim states that grocery prices in the U.S. have risen by 28% over a five-year period. According to data from the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the all-food CPI rose by 23.6% from 2020 to 2024 (source-1). This increase is notable but does not reach the 28% figure claimed. Other sources, such as a recent report from CBS News, also support the assertion that grocery prices have increased by 28% since the start of 2020 (source-6).

The increase in grocery prices has been attributed to various factors, including supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and specific events like the avian influenza outbreak affecting poultry prices (source-3).

Analysis

While the claim that grocery prices have risen by 28% is supported by some reports, it is essential to note that the 23.6% increase in the CPI for food from 2020 to 2024 is a more precise figure provided by the USDA (source-1). The discrepancy may arise from different methodologies or time frames used in various analyses. For instance, the 28% figure mentioned by CBS News may include a broader range of grocery items or reflect a cumulative increase over a slightly different period (source-8).

Additionally, the USDA notes that food price increases have varied significantly year by year, with substantial spikes in 2022 due to inflationary pressures (source-2). This context is crucial for understanding the overall trend in grocery prices.

The sources cited are generally reliable, with the USDA being a primary authority on agricultural statistics and food pricing. However, media reports may reflect broader consumer sentiment and anecdotal experiences, which can sometimes lead to inflated figures.

Conclusion

The claim that grocery prices in the U.S. rose by 28% over five years is Partially True. While there is evidence supporting a significant increase in grocery prices, the USDA's data indicates a 23.6% rise from 2020 to 2024. The 28% figure may reflect a broader interpretation of grocery price increases or different time frames. Therefore, while the claim captures the essence of rising grocery costs, it does not align precisely with the most authoritative data available.