Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: Food Away from Home in U.S. City Average
CWSR0000SEFV • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
384.51
Year-over-Year Change
3.84%
Date Range
1/1/1953 - 7/1/2025
Summary
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: Food Away from Home in U.S. City Average tracks changes in the prices of food consumed outside of the home. This metric is a key indicator of consumer spending patterns and inflation dynamics.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This economic series measures the price changes over time for food purchased and consumed away from home, such as at restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments. It is a component of the broader Consumer Price Index and helps economists and policymakers assess the cost of living and consumer behavior.
Methodology
The data is collected through surveys of prices paid by consumers at a sample of food service establishments across the United States.
Historical Context
Trends in this index are closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other policymakers as a signal of underlying inflationary pressures.
Key Facts
- Food away from home accounts for over 50% of total food expenditures for U.S. consumers.
- Prices for food away from home have risen faster than overall inflation in recent years.
- The food away from home index is a key input into the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This series tracks changes in the prices of food consumed outside of the home, such as at restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Trends in this index are closely monitored by economists and policymakers as an indicator of consumer spending patterns and underlying inflationary pressures.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through surveys of prices paid by consumers at a sample of food service establishments across the United States.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The food away from home index is a key input into the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions, as it signals changes in the cost of living and consumer behavior.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly with a typical lag of around two weeks from the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: Food Away from Home in U.S. City Average (CWSR0000SEFV), retrieved from FRED.