According to the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, the cost of food purchased for consumption at home rose 0.2 percent from May to June 2025 and is 2.4 percent higher than the same time last year.
Prices for food away from home saw a larger increase of 0.4 percent for the month and are up 3.8 percent year-over-year. The USDA’s Economic Research Service forecasts these trends will continue, with overall food prices predicted to increase 2.9 percent in 2025.
Lisa McCormick, a progressive anti-establishment New Jersey Democrat known for her primary challenges against party incumbents, placed blame on leaders from both major parties.
McCormick criticized both Senator Cory Booker and President Donald Trump, attributing ongoing increases in consumer costs to their policy choices following the release of the latest federal economic data showing persistent inflation in key food categories.
She argued that the economic policies of both the Trump administration and the current congressional delegation have failed to protect American consumers.
“Working families in New Jersey are feeling the pinch every time they go to the grocery store or try to enjoy a meal out,” said McCormick. “The persistent rise in costs for essentials, from beef to beverages, is a direct result of failed leadership in Washington, a problem that spans administrations and both sides of the aisle.”
The data highlights significant price swings in specific goods. Notably, egg prices have been highly volatile due to outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), though they decreased significantly in recent months after sharp increases earlier in the year.
Despite the recent decline, egg prices in June 2025 were still 27.3 percent higher than they were in the previous June.
Conversely, beef and veal prices have continued a steady climb, increasing 2.4 percent in June and are up 10.6 percent year-over-year.
McCormick’s criticism extends to what she characterizes as a lack of effective legislative action to curb inflation and address supply chain vulnerabilities exposed in recent years.
“From global pandemic responses to trade wars, the decisions made by those in power have consistently prioritized corporate interests over the economic security of everyday people,” said McCormick.