Consumer Food Prices Up Slightly, Again

The monthly Consumer Price Index shows a further increase in food prices. The food index increased 0.4% in August after larger increases in recent months. The food at home index increased 0.4% over the month as four of the six major grocery store food group indexes rose. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 0.7% over the month, as the beef index rose 1.7%. The index for fruits and vegetables rose 0.2% in August after declining in July. The index for dairy and related products declined in August, falling 1% after rising in each of the previous four months. The index for cereals and bakery products was unchanged in August after increasing 1.2% in July.

The food at home index rose 3% over the past 12 months. Five of the six major food group indexes increased. The only group to decline was dairy and related products, which fell 0.5% over the last 12 months.

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