According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest report, the food index rose 0.4 percent in July, its fifth increase at least that large in the last 6 months. The food at home index also rose 0.4 percent in July, with no declines among the six major grocery store food groups. The largest increase was posted by the other food at home index, which rose 0.7 percent, its largest increase since August 2011. The index for nonalcoholic beverages rose 0.5 percent in July, and the cereals and bakery products index increased 0.4 percent. The index for meats, poultry, fish and eggs rose 0.3 percent, as did the dairy and related products index.
The only major grocery store food group index not to rise in July was fruits and vegetables, which was unchanged. The index for fresh fruits rose 1.0 percent, but the fresh vegetables index fell 1.1 percent. The food at home index has risen 2.7 percent over the last 12 months. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs has increased 7.6 percent over the span and the index for dairy and related products has risen 4.3 percent. The index for food away from home rose 0.3 percent in July after increasing 0.2 percent in each of the two previous months. It has risen 2.4 percent over the last 12 months.
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