Retail Food Prices Down
The Marketbasket Survey, a quarterly informal survey of retail food prices, shows savings for consumers at the grocery store during the second quarter of 2009. The survey, conducted statewide by the Missouri Farm Bureau, reported a drop of $3.47 compared to the first quarter for the 16 common food items included in the survey.
Of the 16 food items surveyed, only one - bagged mixed salad - increased in price; the remaining 15 items all were less in grocery stores during the second quarter. Bacon dropped nine cents a pound, sirloin tip roast dropped 33 cents a pound, and prices for ground chuck, sliced deli ham and chicken breasts also dropped in price.
"Considering all the negative reports we continue to hear regarding the economy, this is especially good news," said Diane Olson, director of promotion and education for the Missouri Farm Bureau.
"Missouri consumers save more than the national average, spending $2.36 less for the same 16 food items surveyed in other participating states," Olson said. "Missouri food prices traditionally are less than the national average." The total cost of the 16 surveyed food items this quarter was $43.93 in Missouri, and nationwide the same 16 items cost $46.29.
Olson said Missouri prices for whole milk were down a penny a gallon, and eggs dropped 38 cents a dozen averaging $1.06 for a carton of Grade A large. "Apples and potatoes were also lower in price this quarter," Olson said, "and that's typical for these seasonal items at this time of the year - apples were down seven cents a pound and potatoes dropped 13 cents for a five pound bag."
Olson said prices paid to producers dropped for livestock and dairy farmers statewide during the second quarter.
An audio version of this release is available on our Web site, www.mofb.org. Click on MEDIA, and then on the box offering "Today's Newsline" or to receive by email, contact dbanister@mofb.com
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