THANKSGIVING DINNER CHEAPER THIS YEAR

News Date November 24, 2009

Consumers nationwide will see their traditional thanksgiving dinner come at a discount this year. Due to decreased production costs and the economic down turn, we have seen a 4 percent drop in overall trimmings for Thanksgiving dinners nationally. The average cost of last year’s thanksgiving for 10 people was $44.61 as compared to this year’s cost at $42.91, a $1.70 price decrease between the two years.  The American Farm Bureau reports that the shopping list for a family of 10 for a classic Thanksgiving Dinner includes bread stuffing, turkey, buttered rolls, peas, cranberries, sweet potatoes, carrot and celery tray, milk and coffee beverages, and pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.

A 16 pound turkey will cost roughly $.44 less this year than last.  When compared to the overall decrease in traditional Thanksgiving dinner costs, Milk was the highest with a $.92 cent drop in retail price.  Additional items that decreased this year include fresh cranberries, whipping cream, brown-n-serve rolls, celery and carrot trays, and various preparation items which include eggs, onions, sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and flour. Items showing an increase in price include pie shells, pumpkin pie mix, and bread stuffing.

 “Consistent with the retail food price declines seen throughout the year, consumers will pay just a bit less for their Thanksgiving feast this year,” said Jim Sartwelle, an AFBF economist.

Shoppers are encouraged to look for the best deals and keep an eye out for bargain prices. Farm Bureau survey results should closely resemble what folks are paying nationwide for individual Thanksgiving dinner items. Families who are too busy to cook can expect to pay between $50-$75 on ready to eat Thanksgiving meals suggested for up to 10 people that include all the trimmings and found at local supermarkets and restaurants.

“As we gather this Thanksgiving for food and fellowship, it’s fitting to take a moment to recognize and give thanks, not only for the abundant food we enjoy as Americans, but for the hard-working farm and ranch families across our nation who produce it,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman when he released the survey results.

The AFBF’s marketbasket food surveys can be closely tracked at their 2009 quarterly reports and the federal government’s Consumer Price Index.  (By: Preston Asay)