The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, May 5, edition that the latest numbers tell us the economy delivered modest growth for four straight months, inflation remains subdued and the jobless rate has been steady. The Globe's Rob Carrick writes that investors feel fine about how things are playing out in the economy. But the broader population feels beaten down and powerless to do anything about it. The explanation for this disconnect is rising grocery prices. High fuel costs are a big problem, too. But crude oil prices fluctuate according to market conditions and could easily fall if the Iran war is settled. There's nil chance of food prices declining from current levels in a broad and noticeable way. The only question is how much they keep rising. High food prices may be the most significant personal-finance challenge in recent years, driven by relentless food inflation and high oil costs affecting processing and transportation. Expensive food also feeds an anger in the populace at a time when separation is being talked about in two provinces, as Ottawa is fighting a trade war that may require financial sacrifices by individuals. Supporting the status quo seems less appealing when you can't afford groceries.