Team 3: Story 1: Grocery Inflation, Effect on Mississippi Students and Residents

March 16, 2026

Grocery inflation is something most Americans feel every time they step into a store. It has been an ongoing issue across the nation. Although inflation has slowed since the pandemic, prices are still higher than they were before 2020. With changes to government assistance programs and SNAP benefits on top of rising prices, grocery inflation continues to affect states in different ways. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices keep increasing, even if only by a few percent each year. For many families, that small percentage can make all the difference, making grocery shopping feel especially expensive on top of already high prices. What used to be a routine trip to the store is something many Americans now have to plan more carefully.

Groceries are one of the most unavoidable expenses and are affected differently by inflation. Many households can cut back on wants related to entertainment or shopping, but food is a necessity meant to be bought regularly. Items like milk, bread, and eggs are purchased frequently, so it’s obvious when the prices rise.

Staples like meat and beef have seen some of the highest price increases. The U.S. cattle herd has been at its lowest in decades due to rising costs of feed, land, and labor, so prices for beef remain high. Ranchers have had to deal with drought conditions in some regions and higher production costs, which has reduced the number of cattle being raised. When supply decreases but demand stays high, prices naturally increase. This market is complex, as factors like processing and transportation also contribute to the high costs, often forcing consumers to buy store brands, purchase items in bulk, or switch to cheaper protein alternatives.

In other ways that consumers are trying to adjust to higher prices Coupons, store rewards programs, and discount apps have also become more popular as they look for ways to save money. Even small strategies like buying items when they are on sale can help reduce grocery costs over time.

In Mississippi, grocery inflation appears to hit even harder. The 12-month grocery price increase here is 5.4% and has increased by 5.7% compared to last year. Although groceries in the state rank among the least expensive nationally at about $5,805 annually, residents still spend a larger portion of their income on food than anywhere else. This is due to the state’s low median household income. When incomes are lower, even slightly higher food prices can take up a larger share of a household budget. What might be manageable in a higher-income state can be a real challenge for families living in Mississippi.

In rural areas prices tend to be higher because they're usually supplied by wholesalers instead of buying directly from manufacturers, which adds another step in the supply chain and increases transportation costs and the final price of the products. Because these smaller areas have fewer grocery stores, this means there’s less competition to keep the prices low. And with a recent spike in gas prices for people living in rural communities, driving long distances to find cheaper groceries may not always be practical.

In addition to these factors, government policies can also influence food prices. Trump’s tariffs affect the costs, increasing the costs for certain products and ingredients that are brought in from other countries. As expected, beef prices hit a record high this summer, but fortunately, egg prices fell after a spike seen in previous years.

The cost of living in Mississippi may be considered low compared to other states, but this doesn’t mean that groceries are easy to afford. It often means that groceries take a bigger bite out of residents’ wallets. When housing and wages are lower, people still need to give a large share of their income to basic necessities like food. This creates a situation where families must balance their budgets and make difficult decisions about spending.

Making this issue even more intense is that it’s not only affecting families but college students as well. At Mississippi State University, food insecurity affects more than a third of undergraduates, according to a 2021 study by Dr. Amanda Conrad. This shows that the problem of grocery affordability extends beyond households and into college campuses.

For students trying to balance tuition among other daily expenses, rising food prices can make it harder to maintain a healthy diet. Some students may skip meals, buy less nutritious food, or rely heavily on campus resources such as food pantries. As grocery inflation continues to affect communities across the country, it highlights the importance of understanding how economic changes impact everyday necessities like food. Even small price increases can have lasting effects on households, students, and communities.

Sign for Bully's Pantry.

Our Team's Angle

As we dived more into the effects of inflation, my team, consisting of Brooklin Gall, Madison McCarter, and myself, looked at the issue from our own angles.

Madison took a look at grocery inflation as a national problem. Brooklin researched it from the point of view of how it affects Mississippi, and I researched it from a college student’s point of view. Each of us took a different look at how grocery inflation is more than just a national problem. It’s a problem that affects people in certain situations and in certain parts of the country.

Madison researched how grocery inflation is affecting the nation as a whole, particularly how it’s affecting the overall market. She researched how things like meat are being affected, particularly how the cost of cattle is affecting more than just beef products. She researched things such as processing, packaging, and transportation, which most people don’t really think about but play a big part in why grocery inflation is so high. Her research explained how grocery inflation is a result of supply, labor, and transportation costs.

Exterior of Bully's Pantry.

Brooklin focused on Mississippi to see how grocery inflation affects people in an area. She talked to Joel Linton, who helps run Bully's Pantry at Mississippi State University, and students who use the pantry. She also shared stories from students about how they cope, like eating or planning meals carefully. Her research showed that what's happening nationally is part of the story and that local conditions really affect how much grocery inflation impacts someone's daily life.

Grad Assistant, Joel Linton, talking with staff.

 

I looked at grocery inflation from a college student perspective in states like Florida and New York. Using Brooklin's interviews and other student stories, I explored how rising grocery prices affect students' daily lives. Many students rely on part-time jobs, financial aid, or help from family, which makes it really tough to manage when prices go up. As students, we've all felt the pressure of relying on campus food, changing what we eat or skipping meals. We think that these shouldn't have to be the solutions. Grocery inflation should not make it feel impossible to get by on a student budget.

Real people are affected by the changes in grocery prices from all over the country.

In New York City, sophomore Sofia Bulacia at City College of New York shared her experience. She said that $30 worth of groceries of just basic essentials such as frozen vegetables, eggs, and milk used to last her almost a week but instead is gone in just a few days. Studies also show that about 40% of families in New York City struggle to afford weekly food costs, along with students.

In Florida, the University of South Florida reports that 40% of its students experience food insecurity. Swipe Out Hunger, a nonprofit organization focused on ending college food insecurity, reports that 20% of students nationwide are hungry, which is double the estimate. A 2024 study found that food-insecure college students report higher stress levels and worse physical health, both of which can affect academic performance and overall well-being.

Many universities are responding by offering campus food pantries. For example, here at Mississippi State we have Bully’s Pantry, and the University of South Florida offers Feed-A-Bull, which provides free groceries and nutrition education for students in need.

Overall, grocery inflation isn’t just about higher prices. It's directly impacting students’ health, stress levels, and ability to succeed in college.

Freshman at Mississippi State Avery Hoda shared how grocery inflation has changed his daily life. “I'm definitely having to watch my spending a lot closer because of how prices have raised. Groceries didn’t used to be on my mind this much. When I was in high school, I used to work a lot and help my family with groceries a bit, then I was worrying about budgeting. In recent years, as prices have grown, it’s become a larger concern.” Many students, like Hoda, rely on meal plans or campus resources to help make ends meet.

Avery Hoda (right) talking with his friends Graham Wilson (middle) and Rishia Francis (left).

On MSU’s campus, Bully’s Pantry, a resource providing food and basic necessities, offers support to students. “It’s just a food bank that we have here where we provide a variety of different groceries to students,” said Joel Linton, the graduate assistant of Bully’s Pantry. “We also have toiletries, sometimes school supplies, and during winter, warm coats and gear. As long as you’re an MSU student, you can come by once or twice a week.”

A student worker restocking cans.

Toiletries available for students.

Linton also explained that the pantry is heavily used by students. “On a weekly basis, we see anywhere from 20 to 30 students a day. Last year, a little over 9,000 students visited. Usually, we see an increase as the semester goes on and classes get stressful.” Despite rising prices,
Linton says the pantry remains well-supported by the university, its funding, donors, and the assistance of volunteers.

Linton speaking with a student worker.

Graham Wilson is a student who recently transferred from a community college. He says that life at Mississippi State is very expensive compared to what he was used to. "It is really daunting to come over here and get the same quality education but for three times the price." Graham Wilson said. Living in a college town like Starkville makes everything else more expensive too. "You're either stuck between paying thousands of dollars for a dorm or an even more expensive apartment. " Leaving students with a tighter budget for groceries and on-campus food. "It puts the college student in a very compromising situation." Graham Wilson said.

Cans in exterior cabinet of building.

Another student, Rishia Francis, also shares his experience as an ESA pet owner. "Having an ESA and even being able to have one on campus was very difficult to get… that whole process was really difficult. He says, "I wanted to, like, go into an apartment and live there. But he says the money was either more expensive or the same amount, and finding a place to live where he could keep his pet without spending much money was hard. Even when students want to make their lives easier, the high cost of groceries and housing makes it tough. For Rishia Francis, it is not about the cost of food. It is about how everything adds up and makes budgeting stressful.

Thankfully, there are people in Starkville who are trying to help. Brandi Herrington is the leader of a group called Starkville Strong. She said that her group helps with food and housing problems. They have programs like Second Servings, which saves food, and Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a local food giveaway. Herrington said that the high cost of groceries has made things harder for everyone. She says the money that the government gives to help people buy food is not enough to feed a family of four for a month, and it does not cover things like toilet paper. "Then they have to choose between paper towels or toilet paper and paying the rent that month or the light bill. And so, you know, of course I'm sad for all of us that are having to deal with inflation right now, but it's really hurting our vulnerable populations. Herrington said. Even a small increase in food prices can make life very stressful for students and families.

Listening to Graham Wilson, Rishia Francis, and Brandi Herrington makes it clear that the high cost of groceries is not about paying more money at the store. It affects where students live, how they budget their money, and the stress that comes with it. Luckily, programs like Bully's Pantry and Starkville Strong help students and local families when they need it so they can focus more on school and less on trying to make ends meet.

Email the team at btg152@msstate.edu with any questions.

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