This study investigates how labor and input costs affect pricing, profits, and resilience in Zambia's food retail stores. Escalating production costs—worsened by currency depreciation and a reliance on imports—have led to significant price hikes, exacerbating food insecurity among poor families. Using Cost-Plus Pricing and Resilience theories, the research finds that while larger retailers counteract cost pressures with diverse supply strategies and price controls, smaller retailers are overwhelmed by rising operational expenses and limited resources. The study concludes with policy recommendations including labor cost subsidies, investments in industry-specific infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and the promotion of local supply chain collaborations.