We've been waiting three long years for this: hints that grocery inflation is finally coming to an end.
But the newest inflation figures show that grocery prices were down slightly last month, for the first time in years.
Of course, some things continue to increase in price, including cereal, ham, and butter, but we are seeing a few areas of the store where you can finally enjoy some savings.
That is good news to mother of five Heather Littleton, who says she's been struggling to afford groceries for her family.
"Groceries are expensive, and every penny counts," she said.
Now she and other shoppers are finally getting some relief.
Sight drop in latest CPI numbers
The latest Consumer Price Indexshows "food at home" -- or food purchased at the grocery store -- was down two tenths of a percent from March to April.
That's not much, but it is better than constantly increasing prices.
Heather Frye, marketing director of Rivertown IGA, says she is starting to see the drop firsthand.
"We are finally seeing some lower prices on eggs, apples, tomatoes, and some other items," she said. "And we pass those reductions directly onto our shoppers."
Among the drops, according to the latest CPI report:
- Eggs: Down 7.3 percent.
- Milk: Down 0.8 percent.
- Chicken: Down 0.8 percent
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Down 1.1 Percent.
One of the biggest price drops are apples, down more than 12 percent since last year.
"With inflation going up and everybody talking about the increases," Frye said, "we can actually say there are some items going down, where everybody can save."
What shoppers can do
Smart shopping expert Trae Bodge says if you see some great deals in the coming weeks, stock up on nonperishables, so you're not tempted to dine out.
Remember that dinner out can easily cost $50 or more, while dinner at home can cost $20 or less.
Then, she says, adjust your menu to what's been marked down that week.
"You don't know necessarily what's going to be on sale once you arrive at the grocery store," Bodge said. "Unless of course your grocery store has an online leaflet that you can look at."
And Bodge says be sure to compare prices online to look for deals.
"You could just use a tool like Yahoo shopping or Google shopping to look for that item online," she said, or simply check the app or website for nearby grocery stores.
Even the smallest price cuts these days have shoppers cheering.
"If my bill goes down, I'd be jumping, excited, it would be great," mom Heather Littleton said,
That way you don't waste your money.
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