Annual Thanksgiving Survey Says Big Meal Costs Less

WASHINGTON, DC – Thanksgiving celebrations will look different for many Americans this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One tradition that continues this year is the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) annual cost survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table. Farm Bureau’s 35th annual survey indicates the average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving feast for 10 remains affordable at $46.90 or less than $5.00 per person. This is a $2.01 decrease from last year’s average of $48.91. The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – costs less than last year, at $19.39 for a 16-pound bird. That’s roughly $1.21 per pound, down 7% from last year. The survey results show that retail turkey prices are the lowest since 2010. The shopping list for Farm Bureau’s informal survey includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10 with plenty for leftovers. In addition to turkey, foods that showed slight price declines include whipping cream and sweet potatoes. Foods showing modest increases this year included dinner rolls, cubed bread stuffing, and pumpkin pie mix. After adjusting for inflation, the cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner is $18.01, down slightly from last year. Farm Bureau’s classic survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)