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Rough Winter Blamed For Rising Food Prices

LANSING (WWJ) - Colder weather is leading to a spike in food prices. The Michigan Food and Beverage Association says stores and restaurants are paying more for vegetables, meats and dairy products.

"Severe cold weather that we've had this winter and last fall, experienced all over the United States, but particularly in the southern states where food is mainly grown in the winter time... that has caused prices to increase throughout Michigan, and not only Michigan but the country as well," said  President Ed Deeb.

Deeb says it's a big jump.

"This was about a 4 percent increase in the last month alone, since 1974. Crop damage in the south, especially Texas and Florida, adds to the increases," Deeb said.

Deeb said U.S. consumers will continue to see food prices edge up, maybe another 2 percent, going into the fall. Then, hopefully, we'll have a good product surplus in the summer.

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