Food prices higher in May News-Chronicle State food prices were up 1.5 percent in May, led by pork and dairy prices, according to the monthly Market Basket survey by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. The average cost of the 40-item list increased $1.07 in May to $73.36, up from $72.29 in April. The survey showed dairy prices increasing for the first time in more than a year after reaching levels in April that were the lowest in more than two years. Butter increased 16 cents a pound, cheese seven cents and a gallon of milk two cents. The retail price of bacon increased an average 58 cents per pound and ham 15 cents per pound. Beef prices remained steady, and vegetables were mixed, with lettuce and peas higher and potatoes lower. In May 2002, the 40 items cost $73.63.