Poll finds nearly half in Virginia struggle to afford groceries

NORFOLK, Va. — A new poll from the nonprofit "No Kid Hungry Virginia" is highlighting the financial strain some families face to afford groceries.

No Kid Hungry Virginia found that nearly half of residents in the state are going into debt because they can't afford their groceries. That poll pulled data from 1,100 Virginians.

"This poll shows that families are sounding the alarm," said Sarah Steely, Director of No Kid Hungry Virginia. "What really matters to me is that we can't afford to ignore these numbers because they show such a strain on families mental health and finances."

According to the poll, middle-class households earning between $47k/year and $97k/year cannot afford a meal. That strain is felt by 52% of families with children in school. Steely said many have to choose betwe