The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of American adults believe that the push for alternative energy sources is driving up food prices. The survey found that only 23% disagree while the rest are not sure. These views are generally shared across partisan and demographic lines.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that roughly 30% of corn grown in this nation is being diverted from food consumption to ethanol production. Government subsidies have encouraged this diversion of the food supply and it is having a lifestyle impact on many Americans—particularly lower-income Americans.

Thirty-five percent (35%) of Americans say that rising food prices have had a big impact on their lifestyle. That figure includes 63% of those who earn less than $20,000 annually.

Fifty percent (50%) have had to cut back on other spending to buy groceries. That figure includes 82% of those earning less than $20,000 a year and 63% of those earning $20,000 to $40,000 a year.

Seventy-six percent (76%) expect food prices to increase further in the coming months. Fifty-five percent (55%) say they are following news coverage of the topic Very Closely while another 31% are following it Somewhat Closely.

Rising gas prices have also had an impact on lower-income workers over the past several months. That’s one of the reasons that the Rasmussen Consumer Index shows consumer confidence tumbling to record lows. Sixty percent (60%) of Americans favor a suspension of the federal gasoline tax. Support for gas tax relief is strongest among low-income Americans.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs are available to Premium Members only.