Metro area confidence index slips in Jan.

Consumer confidence in the metropolitan region fell last month on worries about rising food prices.

The Siena College Research Institute reported Wednesday its confidence index for Long Island, New York City and its northern suburbs was 77.9 points in January, a drop of 3.4 from December 2012.

The index hit a five-year high late last year despite the devastation from superstorm Sandy on Oct. 29.

Readings above 76 points indicate the number of people who are optimistic about their immediate economic future exceeds those who are pessimistic.

Siena pollster Douglas Lonnstrom blamed the drop in confidence in part on grocery prices.

Seventy percent of residents in the metro area said food costs were either a very or somewhat serious problem last month. That compares to 62 percent of poll respondents who felt the same way in December and 56 percent in November.

At the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove Wednesday, some shoppers complained about the cost of groceries -- and gasoline.

Maria Ruiz, 26, a cook from Setauket, said her salary hasn't kept up with the cost of living. She said, "I keep cutting back but never get ahead of my bills."