WASHINGTON — The Consumer Price Index for food and beverages rose 0.2 percent in June, climbing to 227.6 from 227.1 in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor. The 0.2 percent gain followed advances of 0.4 percent in both April and May, but marked the smallest month-over-month gain of the year.

The food index also rose 0.2 percent in June after rising 0.4 percent in April and May.

Leading the upward movement in the month was the index for cereals and bakery products, which rose 0.6 percent in June to 259.8. The index gained 0.1 percent in May and 0.1 percent in April.

Dairy and related products, which rose 0.8 percent in May, also again finished higher, rising 0.5 percent to 212.3.

The index for nonalcoholic beverages rose 0.3 percent to 166.9 behind strength in the coffee index, while the index for other food at home increased 0.5 percent to 197.

The meats, poultry, fish and eggs index, which increased 1.5 percent in May and 1.1percent in April, fell back 0.4 percent to 223.6.

Also finishing lower was the index for fruits and vegetables. The index, which fell 1.1 percent in April and 1.3 percent in May, eased 0.3 percent in June. The BLS attributed the decline to a continued drop in the fresh vegetables index.

The overall Consumer Price Index fell 0.2 percent in June to 224.3. With the decline, the index now has increased 3.6 percent over the past 12 months.