North Texas families report grocery strain

North Texas residents report that grocery costs are the heaviest burden on their household budgets.

A recent audience survey captured the financial realities of 1,083 local participants. The data indicates that 59.1 percent of respondents are not financially comfortable. Specifically, 33.2 percent said they are just getting by. Another 21.5 percent described their situation as struggling to make ends meet. A further 4.4 percent said they cannot consistently afford basic needs. Only 41 percent reported feeling mostly or fully comfortable financially.

The survey identified specific spending categories that cause the most stress. Groceries topped the list, with 27.3 percent of respondents selecting them as their greatest strain. Utilities followed at 19.2 percent. Housing accounted for 17.2 percent of the reported burden. The data revealed a generational split in financial pain points. For respondents aged 25 to 34 and 35 to 44, housing emerged as the single largest expense.

Graciela Montoya, a mother of three from Frisco, illustrates the impact of rising food prices. She stated that $100 no longer covers meat purchases for her family. She now buys mostly vegetables and fruit with that amount. Montoya met with NBC 5 staff during a free lunch program hosted by Frisco Family Services. Volunteers from Preston Trail Community Church helped distribute food at the event. Runay Hollis, a volunteer, noted that high gas prices and everyday expenses have increased the need for assistance.

Housing costs have also climbed sharply in the area. Census data shows that the median gross rent in Frisco rose from $1,222 per month in 2014 to $2,200 in 2024. This represents a monthly increase of $978 over the decade. The total increase stands at approximately 80 percent. Even after adjusting for inflation, rent in Frisco is up by about 36.5 percent.

Montoya is seeking employment to add a second income to her household. Her husband currently works, but the family would benefit from additional earnings. She stopped working after the birth of her youngest child. She is now looking for a job that aligns with her children's school schedule. She aims to work from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to handle school drop-offs and pickups. This schedule would allow her to avoid paying for childcare.

The survey results show that nearly 60 percent of North Texas households face financial pressure. Grocery costs rank as the top expense for the general population. Housing remains the primary concern for younger adults. The median rent in Frisco has nearly doubled in a decade. Families like Montoya are balancing work searches with school schedules to manage these rising costs.