Bronx Moms Struggle with Rising Prices

THROGGS NECK, Bronx

“Groceries and children’s supplies are definitely more expensive. It’s ridiculous” Gina Gallo said. She works full-time as a dental hygienist, and is the mother of a four-year-old daughter.  She and her daughter live in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx and finding good prices feels like a challenge, almost another job. “You have to shop where the deals are, I read sale ads for stores every week.”

Like Gallo, Bronx residents and other New Yorkers struggle to keep up with the rising cost of food and basic necessities. Government statistics confirm what they see when they shop. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index rose 0.2% during January of 2026 and then 0.4% in February. 

Bronx moms find themselves changing their shopping habits to fight inflation. Carol Livingston gave birth to a baby in September. Her new daughter fills her with joy but she now worries about the cost of food and baby supplies. She is focused on stretching her budget as far as possible. “I purchase things in bulk that I constantly need.” This includes formula for her baby, and food for her and her husband. 

Gina Gallo uses Costco bargains to stretch her food budget. “Costco is definitely my favorite store to go to, they give me the best deals.” Gallo says. 

Others shop around at different stores. Blanca Bauer looks for bargains in many places.  Her six-year-old son, and one-year-old daughter need varied diets and quite different playthings and clothes. “I still go to Target, Walmart, and Fine Fare to get my groceries. But I have been using Costco and BJ’s more over the last couple years.”

Rising prices also affect the way these families use restaurants and takeout. “My husband and I order less takeout now and cook more often because it is more cost-effective,” Livingston said. 

And it is not just food that is going up for residents. The price of overall goods is up 0.3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those we interviewed said this means there is a greater focus on making sure everything they buy for their kids and their families lasts. “My budget definitely went up at least a couple thousand from last year,” Bauer said.

These Bronx moms, like others in New York and around the country, hope the anxiety surrounding food and basic necessities won’t last forever.