WACO, TEXAS - Despite some varied price increases in individual food items, Texas grocery prices are generally down a few cents from last year.

That is according to the latest Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Grocery Price Watch, an informal survey of food prices across the Lone Star State.

"Texas consumers are seeing food prices trend lower during these tough economic times," said Kenneth Dierschke, TFB president. "Despite tough economic times, they continue to enjoy a steady source of safe, nutritious and affordable food."

A total of 23 shoppers searched for the same 16 items in their respective hometown grocery stores the week of March 11-19. Selected grocery items ranged from ground beef to grapefruits.

TFB launched its quarterly survey in March 2009, allowing the current survey to give a full year comparison for the first time.

The first quarter of the year showed the cost of ice cream dropping by 87 cents per halfgallon compared to a year ago. Bread prices on average dropped 55 cents per loaf since March 2009, along with ground beef which was down by 23 cents per pound. Pinto beans prices also declined by 39 cents a pound.

Some items saw smaller declines like boneless chicken, down by 13 cents per pound. Cheddar cheese was down by a dime per pound while rice was down four cents per pound and grapefruits down by only two cents per pound. While the total average grocery bill decreased by two percent, some individual items saw an increase.

Fresh tomato prices increased by 39 cents per pound when compared to last year, likely caused by harsh freezes in highproducing areas. The price of milk increased by 32 cents per gallon while pork chop prices saw a 57-cent per pound increase from 2009.

"Prices have been awful for both the dairy and pork producers over the last year so any price increases are a good sign for their industry," said Dierschke. "Farmers and ranchers generally receive about 19 cents for every dollar spent, but consumer prices have stayed affordable and even decreased over the past year."

Other items like cake mix increased by a dime while lettuce rose four cents, an 18 ounce box of corn flakes cereal was up there cents and sliced turkey two cents per pound.

The typical family earns enough money to pay for an entire year’s worth of food in only five weeks.