Food Insecurity and Consumer Pessimism: The Economic Divide in America

Summary

This article analyzes the growing economic divide in the U.S. between lower- and higher-income Americans, focusing on food insecurity and consumer pessimism. Using newly collected data from the Survey of Consumer Expectations, the authors examine how large segments of the population face high levels of economic strain and financial insecurity despite overall economic expansion. The piece highlights the disconnect between aggregate economic indicators and the lived experiences of many households struggling with food access and pessimistic outlooks.