April's grocery price index made biggest jump in nearly 50 years

Food prices jumped sharply in April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed on Tuesday, a stark reminder of the coronavirus pandemic's ongoing dramatic effects on the economies of both the United States and the world. 

The index for groceries purchased for home jumped 2.6% overall for the month of April, "its largest monthly increase since February 1974," the bureau said in its report,. 

That number reflects sharp upward trends in numerous food categories. Eggs alone leapt upward 16.1% over the month. Meat, fish, poultry and eggs combined jumped a total of 4.3%. Nonalcoholic beverages were also up by nearly 3%. Dairy, fruit, and vegetables were up by 1.5%. 

The sharp increases reflect the unprecedented shift in economic habits of Americans over the past several months, following the shuttering of restaurant dining rooms across the country as state governments sought to clamp down on the spread of coronavirus. Brief food shortages have been reported in numerous markets around the country as shoppers flooded grocery stores to buy ingredients and cook them at home rather than go out to restaurants. 

Meat processing facilities across the country, meanwhile, have seen a wave of closings in recent weeks as some slaughterhouses have been hit by significant coronavirus outbreaks. Last week government officials estimated that localized meat shortages were likely to come to an end relatively soon. 

Many Americans have also turned to baking during the quarantines and lockdowns, leading to sharp upticks in the purchase and consumption of bakers' yeast and flour.