Food Prices On The Rise

Monday, May 21st 2007, 9:48 pm

By: News On 6

In addition to pain at the gas pump, you may get sticker shock at the grocery store. A number of factors are contributing to rising costs at the checkout line. News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports the high cost of fuel is one of them.

Have you paid attention to your grocery bill? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says food prices nationwide are up 3.9% compared to a year ago. Charlie and Marilyn Newport have noticed.

On average nationwide, bread is up 13 cents a loaf. You'll pay 13 cents more for a head of lettuce. Orange juice is up 60 cents. Ground chuck is 8 cents a pound. Coffee is 14 cents. It's a nickel or dime here, a quarter there, but it all adds up.

"I've gone to buying more generic stuff,â€ said Marilyn Newport. â€œI used to buy more brand name stuff, I can't afford it."

There are a number of reasons for increased grocery prices. Weather has had a big impact on the citrus industry. The price of corn is also on the rise, but one of the factors is the high cost of fuel. Transportation and delivery costs are up. Sometimes those costs are passed along to customers. Whether it's groceries or gas, or a combination, the Newportâ€™s say they've had to cut their budget in other areas. They hope higher prices don't last much longer.

High fuel prices are causing a ripple effect in a number of services and businesses. Some restaurants are raising their prices to offset the increased cost for shipping.

Watch the video: Rising Gas Prices Contributing To Rising Costs At The Checkout Line