MAJORITY BELIEVES GROCERY COSTS ARE UP -- AND WILL CONTINUE TO RISE

Most Americans agree that their grocery budget doesn't go as far as it use to. An overwhelming majority say in a new Rasmussen Reports poll that they're paying more at the super market today than they were at the start of 2010. Only nine-percent think they're getting more for their money these days at the grocery store, while seven-percent admit they aren't sure on the matter. Most Americans don't see this financial trend changing anytime soon, either. More than 70-percent add that they anticipate paying even more for groceries in 2012 than they are now. By comparison, just four-percent think the prices for food and staple items will drop over the next 12 months, and 22-percent believe prices will remain the same.