Inflation inequality: Poorest Americans hit hardest by high prices of necessities

THE FASTEST RATE of inflation in 40 years is hurting families across the U.S. who are seeing ever-higher prices for everything from meat and potatoes to housing and gasoline.

But behind the headline number that’s been widely reported is something that often gets overlooked: Inflation affects different households in different ways — and sometimes hurts those with the least, the most.