Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Up, Turkey Prices Down

Feeding a family of 10 a classic home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the basic trimmings, will cost 1.3 percent more this year, according to a new survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). According to the survey, the average cost of this year’s feast is $43.47, a 56-cent increase from last year’s average of $42.91. Both figures are lower than from two years ago, when the meal cost $44.61.

The AFBF survey shopping list included turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10. The cost of a 16-pound turkey, at $17.66, is roughly 6 cents per pound cheaper than last year.

“Turkey prices are down some this year despite the fact that, according to Agriculture Department estimates, turkey production has been slightly lower in 2010 than in 2009 and supplies of turkey in cold storage are below last year’s level," John Anderson, an AFBF economist, said in a statement. “This suggests that retailers are being fairly aggressive in featuring turkeys in special sales and promotions."

A gallon of whole milk increased in price by 38 cents per gallon to $3.24. Other prices increases were seen in canned pumpkin pie mix, ready-made pie shells, whipping cream, sweet potatoes, carrots and celery, and brown-n-serve rolls.

“Some of the Thanksgiving dinner items have rebounded from quite low price levels in 2009," Anderson said. “For example, last year’s milk price was at its lowest level since 2001. Dairy product prices have climbed some in 2010, largely reflecting better consumer demand as the economy has gradually improved this year."

Sources:

* American Farm Bureau: Cost of Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Up Slightly in 2010ss