Grocery prices surged 0.6% in August, the fastest pace in three years, driven by Trump-era tariffs, immigration policies, and weather events. Food economists attribute rising costs to tariffs on imported goods like coffee and bananas, and a shrinking agricultural workforce due to immigration crackdowns. Low-income consumers are most affected, altering shopping habits and prompting retailers like Kroger to reinstate paper coupons. The White House counters that one month's data doesn't indicate a trend and points to long-term economic plans. Experts predict continued price increases if tariffs remain.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.