Move over housing, grocery bills are here to take the top spot on the list of financial burdens for Washington residents.

Data from a recent survey conducted by the University of Washington and Washington State University and supported by the state’s Department of Agriculture reveals that groceries were the most common expense reported as difficult to afford in the past month, followed by housing, according to a news release.

The Washington State Food Security Survey has been conducted since 2020 as a means to measure food insecurity in the state and the use of food assistance programs.

Key findings from the most recent survey, conducted from August to October 2024, found: 

• 78% of those surveyed felt that prices increased in the past month, and 82% were worried about future price increases.
• 70% of food insecure respondents reported reducing their food quantity and quality due to high costs.
• Among the 55% of surveyed respondents who used food assistance in the past month, individuals used a variety of programs tailored to different life stages and needs, with food banks/pantries, SNAP and school meals among the most-used programs. 
• Stress, anxiety and depression were more common among food insecure households, with 84% of food-insecure households reporting high stress.

“Too many Washingtonians are struggling with food insecurity and the high cost of food,” said Gov. Bob Ferguson in a release.