Forty-three percent of respondents to a recent survey say the increasing cost of food has altered their diet or food choices. The new survey, conducted by Michigan State University’s Food Literacy and Engagement Poll, sampled 2,052 Americans in March.

It reports that 86% describe food prices as high, and 82% are very concerned about the effects of inflation on grocery bills. Only 2% expressed no concern at all.

“Supply chain challenges, inflation, the ongoing pandemic, conflict in Ukraine, and geopolitical uncertainty have converged to affect the wallets of regular Americans at the grocery store,” explains Sheril Kirshenbaum, co-director of the biannual survey. “Many families already struggling with food insecurity have been stretched further due to rising prices.”

Among those altering their diet or food choices, 51% buy less expensive cuts of meat, 46% choose generic brands or bulk items to save money, 45% purchase fewer products, 44% plan trips to the grocery store more carefully, and 29% are consuming less food.

“Our polling data continue to provide important insights on how Americans view their food and the food system. The continuing impact of world events, including the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, on food availability and prices is an important reminder of the complexity and fragility of our food supply chain,” says Doug Buhler, co-director of the poll and associate vice president of MSU Research and Innovation.

More than one-third of those surveyed (36%) report that the COVID-19 pandemic affected their household’s ability to access food, with 50% having fewer financial resources.

Americans are not feeling optimistic that the cost of food will fall again soon. Nearly three-quarters (73%) say they expect prices to go up in the next six months. Additionally, more than one-third (37%) believe President Joe Biden is largely responsible.

Additional highlights from the recent MSU survey include:

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