As grocery prices continue to rise and millions of Californians saw their food benefits disrupted this month, nearly one in three residents statewide says they or someone in their home has spent less on food to save money over the past year, according to a new survey by the Public Policy Institute of California.

“Lower-income Californians are particularly vulnerable: half say their household has cut back on food,” Mark Baldassare, the nonpartisan think tank’s survey director, said in a statement.

Food prices, which surged in the wake of the pandemic, have kept climbing this year amid new tariffs on imported goods, increasing by about 3% nationwide over the 12 months ending in September, according to federal data.

Meanwhile, federal food assistance payments were delayed for most of California’s 5.3 million SNAP benefit recipients during the government shutdown, sending thousands to food banks across the Bay Area. The aid is now flowing again, but new work requirements enacted by President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill are set to take effect next month, raising fears that potentially millions across the country could eventually lose assistance.

The bill’s Republican supporters argue the work requirements will eliminate fraud and ensure that only those who absolutely need benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program receive them.

The PPIC survey also found that almost 70% of Californians expect the state to face serious economic challenges over the next year, even as three-quarters are at least somewhat satisfied with their household’s financial situation.

To improve the economic outlook, overwhelming majorities of adults support increased public spending for job training (78%), childcare programs (73%), and the creation of a new government health insurance option (79%).

However, they do not share the same belief that their elected leaders are equipped to handle the economy. Gov. Gavin Newsom received the backing of 52% of survey respondents, while state lawmakers had 46% support. President Trump, meanwhile, had 27% approval, and Congress just 17%.

“Californians have been gloomy about the economy and affordability for several years now and it’s altering their big-picture thinking,” Baldassare said.

The poll surveyed 2,306 California adult residents October 16–30, 2025. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points for the overall sample.

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