The Consumer Price Index for food and beverages advanced 0.1% in July, finishing at 237, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor. The increase follows an increase of 0.1% in June. The food index also increased 0.1% in July, moving up to 237 from 236.8 in June.
Within food at home, only two of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased in July. This compared with June when four of the six indexes increased.
Leading the way was the index for fruits and vegetables, which rose 1.5%, led by a 2.4% increase in the index for fresh vegetables.
The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs also increased, rising 0.2% in July.
The index for other food at home was unchanged.
The indexes for the other three major grocery store food groups declined in July, led by the index for nonalcoholic beverages, which fell 0.6%, its third decline in the past five months.
The cereals and bakery products index declined 0.3%, while the index for dairy and related products fell 0.1% in July.
Over the past 12 months, the food at home index has risen 1%. The index for fruits and vegetables has posted the largest increase over that time, rising 2.7%, the B.L.S. said. Meanwhile, the index for nonalcoholic beverages has declined 1.2% over the past 12 months.
The overall Consumer Price Index, which increased 0.5% in June, again moved higher, increasing 0.2% in July. Over the past 12 months, the index has increased 2%.
