As inflation continues to rise while wages remain largely stagnant, American households are facing unprecedented pressure to meet even their most basic needs. A 2023 study shows that 12.5% people were unable to afford food. Once a convenient way to finance big-ticket purchases, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services are increasingly being used to cover essential expenses like food. This shift in consumer behavior reveals a deeper economic distress that goes beyond temporary hardship. The problem isn’t just individual choices, it’s a sign of widening systemic gaps. And it’s happening fast.