Fox News anchor Kayleigh McEnany has come under fire for her seemingly cheerful demeanor while discussing the country’s poverty crisis. The 37 year old Fox News correspondent informed viewers that the budget-friendly meal, Hamburger Helper, is “making a big comeback” as shoppers are compelled to be more frugal due to rising grocery costs.
She stated: “One tried and true brand is making a big comeback as consumers tighten their wallets – Hamburger Helper. The mix of mac and cheese and ground beef is seeing a surge in sales.”
However, McEnany faced backlash for appearing to smile throughout the segment. “Kayleigh McEnany thinks this is a good thing,” one viewer posted on X.
Another Twitter user commented: “Kayleigh McEnany has probably never eaten Hamburger Helper in her life… at least as an adult. And she probably puts down people in private, for eating it.”
A third chimed in, “I consider this b——t, mockery Kayleigh McEnany looking like Becky w/the good hair-Like eating low-cost, processed food is just a trend we decided to do. While many have to eat that type of food be/cz it’s cheap, it goes far and it’s filling. Be/cz of trump’s failed policies.”
An additional critic remarked: “Nothing screams great economy like celebrating the return of Hamburger Helper.” Another added: “Hilarious how she tries to downplay ‘as Americans tighten their broke-a–, Hamburger Helper eating belts and wallets because the trump economy is so COOKED.’ She was downright cheery for it.”
One individual commented: “This is giving vibes of – y’all be happy eating processed boxed food! While we buy planes and build ballrooms, y’all are expected to suffer, okay!”
Eagle Foods, the company that produces Hamburger Helper, reported to Fox News Digital that its sales increased by 14.5% in August compared to the previous year.
The meal kit, which was first launched in 1971, has become a popular choice for consumers looking for an affordable way to prepare ground beef and assist households grappling with their budgets.
Mala Wiedemann, an executive vice president at Eagle Foods, previously stated that the brand is witnessing a “blockbuster resurgence.”
She explained: “Just as in 1971, the brand has become a destination for consumers seeking convenience, bold flavor and affordability amid high inflation, rising beef prices, unemployment concerns and increasing demands on multi-earner households.”
According to data from Credit Karma, 77% of Americans identify grocery prices as the most significant increase they have experienced in recent years. Consumer financial advocate Courtney Alev noted: “When budgets are tight, families often turn to meals that stretch further without sacrificing comfort.”
Courtney further added: “Food is often the first place people feel that pinch because it’s a core need for survival and represents a significant portion of most consumers’ budgets, making it especially vulnerable to cost shifts based on macroeconomic factors. It can be an early indicator of broader economic stress.”
A recent survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that approximately half of all Americans describe grocery costs as a “major” source of stress in their lives currently, while 33% characterize it as a “minor” stressor. Just 14% report it causes them no stress whatsoever.
Additional financial pressures – such as housing expenses or bank account balances – are also widely experienced, though they impact younger Americans more severely, as this demographic is less likely than older generations to possess substantial savings or own real estate.
The study also discovered that roughly 4 in 10 Americans under 45 years old report utilizing “buy now, pay later” services for entertainment, dining out, or essential purchases like groceries and medical expenses.
