The rise in the cost of living cooled in July, but not for grocery prices. The price of food at home rose 1.3% from June to July, marking a 13.1% increase compared to last year. It was the largest price increase for groceries since 1979, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The price of consumer goods and services was steady in July from the previous month, as the Labor Department said Wednesday. In July, the inflation rate compared to a year ago was 8.5%, lower than 9.1% in June, a 41-year record, helped by lower prices in energy. Food, however, rose by 1.1% on the month and 10.9% this year. It was the seventh consecutive month where the price rose by 0.9% and above. Dining out rose by 0.7% in July on the month and 7.6% compared to last year. Among groceries, egg prices had the biggest increase. Their cost rose by 4.3% in the month of July, and 38% in the year. Potatoes also rose 4.6% on the month and 13.3% year-to-year. Butter was up over 26% on the year in July, and coffee rose by over 20% over the same period. There was mixed news among other items. The price of beef and veal declined from June to July, part of a three-month downward trajectory. But they too rose 3.4% in July versus last …