Food prices climb higher in state

Published 2:57 pm Friday, January 16, 2009

MONTGOMERY — Food prices were higher in January, according to the Alabama Farmers Federation.

The group’s monthly survey showed the price of 20 basic market goods averaged $53.42, up 74 cents or 1.4 percent from December.

The Federation said higher prices for meat and dairy products had the most impact on shoppers’ budgets. But the group said consumers could find savings on produce goods including tomatoes, red potatoes and lettuce.

The lowest average price for a market basket was found in northwest Alabama at $51.79. It was highest in south Alabama at $57.24.