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Thanksgiving dinner costs dip 5% from last year

American Farm Bureau Federation's annual survey reveals a slight decrease in the cost of a traditional Thanksgiving meal, with turkey prices leading the decline.

Turkey Head Side Profile
Pixabay

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has released its 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey, revealing a modest decrease in the cost of a traditional holiday feast. According to the report, the average cost of a classic Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is now $58.08, or about $5.80 per person, marking a 5% decrease from last year.

The centerpiece of most Thanksgiving tables, the turkey, played a crucial role in bringing down the overall cost of the meal. A 16-pound turkey now averages $25.67, or $1.68 per pound, representing a 6% decrease from the previous year. AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson explained, "The American turkey flock is the smallest it's been since 1985 because of avian influenza, but overall demand has also fallen, resulting in lower prices at the grocery store for families planning a holiday meal."

Other items seeing price decreases include sweet potatoes (down 26.2%), whole milk (down 14.3%), and frozen peas (down 8.1%). However, some staples have become more expensive, with dinner rolls and cubed stuffing both increasing by about 8%, and cranberries rising nearly 12% year-over-year.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall commented on the findings, saying, “America has one of the most affordable food supplies in the world. In order to maintain that, we need a strong farm bill which enables Americans to pursue their dreams without worrying about feeding their families,” Duvall said. “A new farm bill with a modernized safety net to support those who raise crops and livestock ensures farmers can survive tough economic times and continue to supply food for America’s families, not just for the holidays, but year-round.”

The survey also revealed regional price differences, with the South offering the most affordable classic meal at $56.81, followed closely by the Northeast at $57.36. The West saw a significant jump, with the classic meal costing $67.81.

As families prepare for their Thanksgiving celebrations, this year's AFBF survey provides a mixed picture of economic recovery and ongoing inflationary pressures, reflecting the complex dynamics of the U.S. food supply chain in the post-pandemic era.

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