WASHINGTON — The Consumer Price Index for food and beverages increased 0.2 percent in August, moving up to 234 from 233.5, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor. The food index also rose 0.2 percent in August.

The major grocery store food groups continued their trend of mixed moves, with three rising, two declining and one holding steady.

The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs increased 0.4 percent to 232.5. The index had advanced 0.3 percent in July and 0.2 percent in June.

However, the sharpest gain occurred in the index for fruits and vegetables, which followed up a 0.3 percent decline in July by increasing 0.5 percent in August. The index for fresh fruits rose 1.9 percent, while the fresh vegetables index fell 1.3 percent.

Also advancing during August was the index for dairy and related products, which increased 0.1 percent to 214.5. The gain ended six consecutive months of declines.

In contrast to the increases, the index for nonalcoholic beverages fell 0.2 percent in August after falling 0.5 percent in July, and the index for other food at home decreased 0.1 percent.

The index for cereals and bakery products was unchanged.

The food at home index increased 0.1 percent in August after holding steady in July, and has now increased a total of 0.1 percent since April.

The overall Consumer Price Index, which has been flat for the past two months, increased 0.6 percent, and has now risen 1.7 percent over the past 12 months.