Thanksgiving Dinner Ticks Down to Less Than $5 Per Person

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The American Farm Bureau Federation's 31st annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year's feast for 10 is $49.87, a 24-cent decrease from last year's average of $50.11.

The big ticket item – a 16-pound turkey – came in at a total of $22.74 this year. That's roughly $1.42 per pound, a decrease of 2 cents per pound, or a total of 30 cents per whole turkey, compared to 2015.

“Consumers will pay less than $5 per person for a classic Thanksgiving dinner this year,” AFBF Director of Market Intelligence Dr. John Newton said. “We have seen farm prices for many foods – including turkeys – fall from the higher levels of recent years. This translates into lower retail prices for a number of items as we prepare for Thanksgiving and confirms that U.S. consumers benefit from an abundant, high-quality and affordable food supply.”

The AFBF survey shopping list includes turkey, bread 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.

Foods showing the largest decreases this year in addition to turkey were pumpkin pie mix, milk and a veggie tray comprised of celery and carrots. Due to a significant expansion in global milk production, prices fell to the lowest levels since 2009, leading to lower retail milk and dairy product prices.

Shoppers in Montana will even pay a little less than the national average for a holiday meal, coming in at $49.25 for the feast for 10 people. Although the turkey per pound was a little higher than the national average at $1.79 per pound, the other items on the list were well below the national average. The national average for fresh sweet potatoes was $3.60, but Montanans will only pay $1.99 per pound; green peas are $1.58, but in Montana, only $1.49; a half pint of whipping cream is $2.00, in Montana, $1.50.

“This is a holiday for giving thanks for the bounty produced by our farmers and ranchers, and the blessings of abundance we have in this country,” noted Montana Farm Bureau Federation Shopper Janet Krob. “Keep in mind that although our food is less expensive this year, it’s because farmer and ranchers are facing critically low prices for what they produce.”

The average price for the meal is down slightly from last year to $49.87. After adjusting for inflation, the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner fell to $20.66 – the lowest level since 2010.

“Enjoy your delicious and affordable Thanksgiving meal and being surrounded by family and friends,” said Krob. “Montana Farm Bureau wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.”


Source:  Montana Farm Bureau Federation

 

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