FOOD

Food Costs Take Smaller Bite of U.S. Paychecks: Americans are spending a smaller share than ever of their disposable income on food--11.5%, the Agriculture Department said. In an annual report, “Food Costs from Farm to Retail 1991,” the department said food spending by individuals and households totaled $486 billion in 1991, or 11.5% of total personal disposable income. For 1990, the share was 11.7% It was 13.5% in 1980, 13.9% in 1970 and 17.5% in 1960. The share of personal income spent on food has declined over the years because personal income has risen faster than spending on food.