Cooking a Thanksgiving meal this year will be less costly than in 2023, yet still higher than pre-pandemic levels. The American Farm Bureau Federation's (AFBF) annual survey indicates the average cost for a classic holiday feast for ten people is $58.08, translating to approximately $5.80 per person.
This marks a 5% reduction from last year's prices, which had already seen a 4.5% decrease from 2022. Despite these declines, the current cost remains 19% above that of 2019, reflecting inflation's impact on food prices and farmers' expenses since the pandemic.
The turkey has played a significant role in reducing overall dinner costs this year. A 16-pound turkey averages $25.67 or $1.60 per pound, down by 6% compared to last year.
Farm Bureau volunteers conducted price checks from November 1-7 before many grocery stores began offering lower prices on whole frozen turkeys. According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service data, these prices dropped further during the second week of November, suggesting potential savings for late buyers.
"The turkey is traditionally the main attraction on the Thanksgiving table and is typically the most expensive part of the meal," said AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson. "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."
The survey's shopping list includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream for ten people.
Most ingredients saw price reductions due to crop price volatility this year; fresh vegetables are among those affected. Whole milk costs fell over 14%, aided by favorable weather conditions affecting pricing variances across U.S regions.
However, items like dinner rolls and cubed stuffing experienced an 8% increase due to rising labor costs impacting processed foods' expenses. Cranberry prices rose nearly 12% after witnessing an 18% drop last year.
"We should all be thankful that we live in a country with such an abundant food supply," said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. "We are seeing modest improvements in the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for a second year, but America’s families including farm families are still being hurt by high inflation."
"America has one of the most affordable food supplies in the world," Duvall continued. "In order to maintain that we need a strong farm bill which enables Americans to pursue their dreams without worrying about feeding their families." He emphasized that modernized safety nets within new farm bills could support farmers through economic challenges while ensuring consistent food supply beyond holidays.
Acknowledging evolving Thanksgiving traditions led Farm Bureau surveys also include boneless ham Russet potatoes frozen green beans raising total meal costs by $19.26 reaching $77.34 overall.
This year's national average derived from surveys spanning all fifty states plus Puerto Rico featured both online physical store evaluations excluding promotional deals or coupons usage strategies maximizing affordability comparisons consistency across years thanks unchanged menu elements since inception back then allowing historical insights gleaned overtime adjustments reflect shifts consumer habits preferences aligning broader societal changes impacting agriculture industry directly indirectly shaping policy decisions affecting millions nationwide annually ongoing basis throughout entire calendar cycle always looking ahead future opportunities challenges alike remaining vigilant proactive adaptive responsive ever-changing landscape demands flexibility resilience innovation creativity collaboration cooperation unity solidarity common goals shared values mutual respect understanding empathy compassion kindness generosity humility gratitude hope optimism perseverance determination 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