AARP Bulletin Survey on Rising Food Costs Executive Summary

AARP Bulletin Survey on Rising Food Costs Executive Summary

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Report Home The AARP Bulletin commissioned a nationwide survey in June 2008 to find out how consumers 45+ feel about rising food prices and how it has impacted them personally. Key survey findings indicate that: Almost half of respondents (49%) believe that food prices have caused a hardship on their budget. Over three out of five respondents (63%) ages 45-49 stated that food prices have caused a hardship. Respondents ages 45-49 (69%) were more likely than the 50+ (49%) to report that they have started cutting back on summer entertaining to cope with rising food prices. In addition, 78% of respondents ages 45-49 said that they have started eating out less, compared with 54% of those 50+. Slightly over half (52%) think that there is a global food shortage. Respondents ages 50+ (55%) are more likely than those ages 45-49 (38%) to think there is a global food shortage. However, the 50+ (39%) are less likely than those ages 45-49 (51%) to think that certain food items may need to be rationed within the next year. The majority (71%) think that the government is responsible for rising food prices. Two out of five (44%) think that natural disasters play a role in rising food costs. Respondents were less likely to think that restaurants (11%), farmers (16%), grocery stores (28%), or food processing plants (29%) were responsible for these rising costs. Just over half (53%) do not think it is likely that certain food items may need to be rationed within the next year. Four out of five (81%) reported that they have not started eating fewer meals in the past six months. However, over half have started using discount coupons at grocery stores (57%) and started buying generic grocery brand items (56%), and one in five (19%) have started eating fewer meals. The study was conducted for AARP via telephone by International Communications Research using its national omnibus survey service. The interviews were conducted from June 4-9, 2008, among a nationally representative sample of 1,009 people ages 45 and older. For further information, contact Lona Choi-Allum at 202-434-6333. (4 pages) Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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