What grocery essentials got cheaper, more expensive in one week?

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — DC News Now continues to track grocery prices as people in the DMV and across the country feel stiffed by the high costs of essentials.

The USDA predicts grocery prices will rise 2 percent for the rest of the year, a slower pace than in recent years. The agency adds that prices for dining out may increase by 4.2 percent.

At a time when high costs persist, price checking is proving beneficial, according to grocery price data we continue to collect.

DC News Now sized up 10 pantry essentials at Walmart, Giant and Safeway. Below are the prices published online as of Monday.

Brown Eggs (12 ct.)

• Walmart: $3.12
• Giant: $3.00
• Safeway: $5.99

Wheat Bread

• Walmart: $1.42
• Giant: $1.99
• Safeway: $1.99

2% Gallon of Milk

• Walmart: $2.59
• Giant: $3.99
• Safeway: $4.99

Broccoli (12 oz. bag)

• Walmart: $1.16
• Giant: $1.89
• Safeway: $2.00

Avocado

• Walmart: $0.94
• Giant: $2.00
• Safeway: $2.00

Russet Potato

• Walmart: $0.92
• Giant: $1.09
• Safeway: $1.19

Boneless Chicken Breast (value pack per pound)

• Walmart: $2.67
• Giant: $1.99
• Safeway: $4.99

Boneless Pork Chop (value pack per pound)

• Walmart: $5.28
• Giant: $5.99
• Safeway: $10.49

Ground Beef (1 pound tray)

• Walmart: $5.37
• Giant: $4.29
• Safeway: $5.49

Brown Rice (32 oz. bag)

• Walmart: $1.64
• Giant: $2.29
• Safeway: $2.99

According to the lowest prices published online Monday compared to one week ago, Walmart prices remained unchanged except for brown eggs, which dropped 40 cents.

No prices increased for these 10 essentials at Giant. Prices dropped 79 cents for 12 brown eggs, 90 cents for wheat bread and 50 cents for a one-pound tray of ground beef.

At Safeway, 12 brown eggs increased by one dollar, as did for one avocado. A value pack of boneless pork chops increased $4.50, while a one-pound tray of ground beef became $3.50 cheaper.

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