It appears that the overall amount of money Americans are spending hasn't changed much...but since the prices of everything has, could one conclude that there are a lot less calories, protiens, and ounces of food being consumed?

In the lives of people around here (Strafford County, NH) who are on fixed incomes or low income, there has been a huge rise in the need to access food pantries, meals on wheels, and senior commodities.

At the same time, pandemic extra food stamps ran out last June. The social security increase was a good 5-8% less than the increase in food prices, and some workers who got higher pay rates discovered it made them ineligible for or reduced food stamp amounts by more than the extra cash in the paycheck. We also have hundreds of unfilled Homecare positions statewide, so more disabled & elderly who don't have the stamina or transportation to do their own food shopping are losing a huge % of their grocery budget to Instacart etc.

I was expecting the total spent of groceries to be much higher for the 2021 & 2022 dates....

Why not? That's what NH has been doing for 2+ years to low income disabled & elderly who used to get home care supports.

You don't even get your own room, you only get half. One tiny bureau, half closet, twin bed, a chair. And a big lock on all the doors.