These numbers get lost in the broader inflation rate for all goods and services, which measured 2.7 for the same 12-month period. Across the economy, rising food prices were offset by falling prices for things bought at the mall: computers, cameras, clothing and shoes.
The inflation of necessities, including food, energy, and housing, is much higher than the official overall inflation rate of 2.7 percent. And people can't eat computer hard drives and camera straps.
Figures don't lie, but liars figure. In this case, the U.S. government has a vested interest in keeping COLA wage and benefits increases, which are linked to official inflation rates, low, irrespective of whether the prices of necessary goods are increasing at a faster rate.