JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Prices of some groceries are going down, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While the decrease doesn’t equate to a huge dollar amount, shoppers are hoping it’s the start of a new shift.
“It’s always been expensive I’ve got four kids,” resident Bill Campbell said.
Campbell said he spends $800 to $1,000 a month to feed his family, saying the reversal in the price of some food items is music to his ears.
“It’s good news, it’s great news,” Campbell said.
Bobby Harmon, however, isn’t as optimistic and believes the recent drop in food prices is just a temporary trend.
“Every time I come to the store the price is going up, cheese, milk,” Harmon said. “It fluctuates, the food market will go up and down, the food market fluctuates.”
While the future prices of food prices are unknown, according to inflation data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following items have dropped in price over the last year:
- Ham dropped 3.4%
- Cheese dropped 3.3%
- Fish and seafood, along with potatoes dropped 2.1%
Over the past month, the price of eggs has plunged 7.3%, apples fell 2.7%, followed by milk and poultry which also decreased by less than .8%
While grocery prices may be stabilizing, menu prices are still high especially at fast food restaurants and casual dining chains, according to the study.
Local consumers said the small price decreases are encouraging, but not enough to make a noticeable difference at the cash register.
Economists said now is also a good time to take advantage of coupon deals and buy one, get one offers. They said this new inflation data may trigger good promotions at some grocery stores.