Inflation has caused an increase in prices at the grocery store, leading to a higher price for Thanksgiving dinner when compared to last year. | Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko
Inflation has caused an increase in prices at the grocery store, leading to a higher price for Thanksgiving dinner when compared to last year. | Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and while it is an enjoyable day where family can come together to give thanks and have a feast, studies say it will be much harder on the wallet this year.
According to a survey released by the American Farm Bureau, Thanksgiving dinner prices are up 20% compared to last year, with prices for almost every meal staple increasing dramatically. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices in mid-Atlantic states, including Pennsylvania, have increased 6.8% over the last year, based on regional consumer price index data.
“This year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 will run you $64.05 — less than $7 dollars per person — according to Farm Bureau's 37th annual Thanksgiving Survey," American Farm Bureau Tweeted on Nov. 16..
Axios reported that the American Farm Bureau survey, which was released last week, showed that the meal for 10 is up $10.74 from last year’s average price of $53.31.
The Farm Bureau’s cost survey showed that the cost of a 16-pound turkey this year is $28.96. This is almost $5 higher, or 21%, from last year’s average of $23.99. A 4-pound ham cost $10.87 last year and is up 7% to $11.64. Other major price increases include a 14-pound bag of cubed stuffing mix up 69%, sweet and russet potatoes up 11% and 23% respectively, dinner rolls up 22%, two frozen pie crusts up 26%, pumpkin pie mix up 18% and green beans up 25%. Since 2019, the cost of Thanksgiving dinner has gone up 32%.
“General inflation slashing the purchasing power of consumers is a significant factor contributing to the increase in average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner,” said American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist Roger Cryan in a report on the Farm Bureau website. “Other contributing factors to the increased cost for the meal include supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine.”
Cryan also notes that higher retail turkey prices can be attributed to "a slightly smaller flock this year, increased feed costs and lighter processing weights.”
This year’s national average cost was calculated by 224 surveys completed with pricing from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. It involved volunteer shoppers across the country checking prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. The shoppers would look for the best prices but didn’t take part in special deals and coupons.
Alerts Sign-up