Is fresh produce becoming a luxury purchase for Texas families?
A recent study conducted by Advance America, a prominent financial service provider, surveyed 3,004 American households and found that 1 in 3 American families surveyed reported they are buying fewer fresh fruits and vegetables compared to years past.
Indeed, 36% of Texas families surveyed reported buying fewer fruits and vegetables on each shopping trip.
The survey also asked participants what they have done to try to reduce what they spend on fresh produce.
Findings showed that 20% of participants said they have been purchasing more frozen fruits or vegetables with 13% of participants reporting comparing prices between different grocery stores.
Other findings showed:
According to the study, Texas families that are still purchasing fruits and vegetables reported spending an extra $13 per month on produce.
A food outlook price summary for May of 2026 by the United States Department of Agriculture predicts that fresh fruit prices will continue to increase by 1.8% in 2026, and fresh vegetable prices will increase by 7.8%.
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Are Texas families priced out of the produce aisle?
Reporting by Lauren Dossey, Abilene Reporter-News / Abilene Reporter-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lauren Dossey, Abilene Reporter-News | USA TODAY Network
