Retail food prices rise slightly

Food prices at supermarkets rose about 2 percent in the first quarter of 2005, according to American Farm Bureau Federation’s market-basket survey. The total cost of 16 basic grocery items last quarter was $39.53, an increase of 66 cents from 2004’s fourth-quarter survey.
    While the survey showed food price gains from the fourth quarter, first-quarter 2005 prices were down slightly from the same period a year ago.
    Overall, meat and dairy items were slightly higher in the first quarter. Sirloin tip roast rose 6 cents per pound to $3.76; while ground chuck increased 3 cents to $2.60 per pound. Follow this link to read the full report.

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