In a recent White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that grocery prices have come down over the past year, attributing this improvement to the Biden administration’s efforts. However, a closer look at the data reveals that this statement is misleading. While the rate of food price increases has slowed, grocery prices remain significantly higher than they were just a few years ago.
Since 2020, food prices have surged, driven in part by pandemic-related disruptions and inflationary pressures. Between 2020 and 2024, the cost of food and beverages rose by more than 22%, with notable spikes occurring in 2021 and 2022, where food prices jumped by 6.3% and 10.4%, respectively. For perspective, a basket of groceries that cost $100 in November 2020 would now cost approximately $125.80.
Although food inflation eased to about 2.7%, this doesn’t mean prices have fallen.
Instead, it indicates that the rate of increase has slowed, but consumers are still paying far more for essentials like meat, eggs, and dairy than they were prior to the pandemic.
Jean-Pierre’s remarks downplayed the sustained inflation that continues to affect millions of Americans at the grocery store. Despite her claim, a typical family’s grocery bill remains significantly higher than it was four years ago, reflecting the ongoing economic challenges facing households across the country.