The U.S. annual inflation rate surged at its fastest pace in 31 years, driven by skyrocketing food and energy prices. Staples found in kitchens across the country were more expensive in October, weighing on families’ monthly or weekly grocery budgets. On the protein front, beef and veal prices increased 20.1 percent year-over-year. Pork cost 14.1 percent more, while ham rose 7.1 percent. Chicken jumped 8.8 percent, fish, and seafood advanced 7.5 percent, and eggs surged 11.6 percent. The fruits and vegetables index rose at an annualized rate of 3 percent. Within this category, apples grew 6.7 percent, bananas climbed 2.9 percent, potatoes edged up 1.7 percent, and citrus fruits increased 3.7 percent from the same time a year ago. Coffee, consumed by 7 in 10 Americans, swelled 4.7 percent in the 12 months ending in October. Roasted coffee spiked 5.6 percent, while instant rose a modest 1.2 percent. Nearly every …