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JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI (AP) -- The retail cost of 16 typical food items consumers buy on a regular basis were up slightly during the first quarter of 2010 compared to fourth quarter 2009 prices, but lower when compared to the  cost of the same items from the first quarter one year ago. 

 “We found Missouri consumers spent 63 cents more for the same 16 food items this quarter,” said Diane Olson, director of promotion and education for the Missouri Farm Bureau.  “The total price for the food items this quarter was $43.41.  The same food items one year ago totaled $47.40, so consumers spent $3.99 less during this year’s first quarter.

“Missouri food prices typically are less expensive than the national average,” Olson said, “and this quarter Missourians spent $2.13 less for the same 16 food items than the national average.  So, we continued a long-standing trend favoring Missouri consumers.”

When comparing Missouri first quarter prices this year with the cost for the same 16 food items in the survey during the fourth quarter last year, Olson said consumers paid more for most meat prices.  “Missouri shoppers paid more for sliced deli ham, bacon and sirloin tip roast, but decreases in meats were found in ground chuck and chicken breasts.

“Shoppers paid $3.45 for a gallon of whole milk, up 79 cents, $3.07 for a pound of shredded cheese, up 42 cents and $1.73 for a dozen large Grade A eggs, up 29 cents,” Olson said.  “Interestingly, bread and cereal were both lower in price this quarter, but flour was up in price.  Additionally, Red Delicious apples and orange juice were higher in price, while potatoes, salad mix and vegetable oil were lower in price this quarter.”

The Marketbasket Survey, an informal survey of food prices, bases its findings on data received from Farm Bureau members at the state level.  Statewide data is sent to the American Farm Bureau and compiled with surveys from other states to generate the national average.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)