Friday, April 8, 2011

Food and gas prices on the rise

Fox 11 / WLUK-TV

Whether it's at the pump or in checkout line at the grocery store, cost of living items are on the rise.

A survey by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau shows food prices are up 5 percent this year.

The bureau's 'Marketbasket' survey totals the cost of 16 food items. In the first three months of 2011, the total was $48. That is up $2.39 from December's price for the same items.

Topping the survey's list

  • Apples increased 24 cents (18 percent) to $1.52 per pound.
  • A gallon of whole milk increased 50 cents (17 percent) to $3.41 per gallon.
  • One pound of bagged salad increased 33 cents (15 percent) to $2.48.
  • A five-pound bag of flour increased 25 cents (12 percent) to $2.34.
  • One pound of ground chuck climbed 32 cents (10 percent) to $3.41.

However the study shows Wisconsin's price is more than $1 less than the national survey of the same 16 food items.

Prices are rising at the gas pump as well.

According to AAA, the price for a gallon of regular grade gasoline in the Green Bay area is $3.767. That is up nearly 25 cents in the last month ($3.529) and about 90 cents form a year ago ($2.883) from this time last year. The highest recorded average price is $4.056 from July 2008...[Full Article]