Rising Food Prices Tough on Consumers

Prices are rising for a range of food staples, from meat to fruits and vegetables, squeezing consumers still struggling with price increases.  For example:  The average retail cost of fresh beef last month was $5.28 a pound up from $5.04 in January and the highest on records dating to 1987.  Retail pork prices rose 6.8% in the past year to an average $3.73 a pound in February.  More expensive beef and pork have prompted some shoppers to buy chicken and turkey.  What about milk?  The average price of a gallon was $3.56 last month, up from $3.46 in October.  The main reason:  a surge in exports to China and other Asian nations.