Democrat Policy Researchers Propose Plan to Cap Grocery Prices

The Center for American Progress outlines a three-part strategy to lower food costs and provide relief for families.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A new proposal from the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning policy institute, aims to bring down soaring grocery prices that have strained household budgets. The three-part plan includes temporary price caps on staple foods, stronger enforcement against anti-competitive industry practices, and modernizing agricultural policies to improve resilience. The researchers estimate the plan could save the typical family of four around $134 per month.

Why it matters

Grocery prices have risen 30% since 2020, costing the average family of four an extra $1,000 per month. This proposal seeks to provide short-term relief and long-term solutions to make food more affordable for families struggling with the high cost of living.

The details

The Center for American Progress plan has three key components: 1) Temporary price caps on basic food items like milk, eggs, bread, and produce to provide immediate relief; 2) Stronger enforcement against anti-competitive practices in the food industry that drive up prices for consumers while squeezing farmers; and 3) Modernizing agricultural policies to improve the food system's resilience against future challenges like climate change and supply chain disruptions.

  • The Center for American Progress announced its proposal on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Center for American Progress

A left-leaning public policy institute and advocacy organization based in Washington D.C. that combines research and communication to develop ideas on issues like climate, health care, and the economy.

Michael Negron

A senior fellow for economic opportunity with the Center for American Progress and a co-author of the grocery price proposal.

Jared Bernstein

Chair of former President Joe Biden's Council of Economic Advisers and a co-author of the plan.

Kyle Ross

Senior policy analyst for economic policy at the Center for American Progress and a co-author of the plan.

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What they’re saying

“Grocery prices are up 30% compared to where they were in 2020. The typical household of four is now paying about $1,000 a month in groceries, which is the highest it's been on record.”

— Michael Negron, Senior Fellow for Economic Opportunity, Center for American Progress (fox13seattle.com)

“We think the basics should be affordable to people, and we think the federal government should use every power available to do just that.”

— Michael Negron, Senior Fellow for Economic Opportunity, Center for American Progress (fox13seattle.com)

“By our estimates, it would save the typical family of four about $134 a month.”

— Michael Negron, Senior Fellow for Economic Opportunity, Center for American Progress (fox13seattle.com)

What’s next

The Center for American Progress plans to have discussions with policymakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for incorporating elements of their proposal into legislative initiatives.

The takeaway

This proposal from the Center for American Progress aims to provide both short-term relief and long-term solutions to the problem of skyrocketing grocery prices, which have placed a significant burden on household budgets. If implemented, the plan could save the typical family hundreds of dollars per month, offering much-needed financial assistance during this period of high inflation.