In April 2026, grocery store food prices were nearly 3% higher than a year ago. Over the span of a single year, prices have continued to climb, and just about everyone you speak to is feeling the pressure. Although headlines say that inflation is slowing, it doesn’t mean that is how stopped. It’s not at its peak levels, but grocery costs have remained noticeably higher than they were even just a few months ago. Because of this, there is a growing gap between income and expenses, forcing many retirees who are living on a fixed income to make some difficult lifestyle choices.
But what’s behind all of the numbers you see in the news? Here’s why so many seniors are saying their Social Security checks just aren’t stretching as far as they need them to, especially in the checkout line.
