What’s cost of Thanksgiving dinner this year?
It’s that time again – shopping for that big family meal, making sure you have everything you need while trying to find the best deal to save those hard-earned dollars.
The American Farm Bureau Federation released their annual account of the cost of putting together a Thanksgiving dinner. The Farm Bureau said these calculations are for 10 people at a meal, with plenty of leftovers.
The Farm Bureau had about 180 shoppers go to different grocery stores in 35 different states, looking at prices. While certainly not scientific, the Farm Bureau said this is an informal gauge of average prices.
Bi-Lo Food Center owner Barry Dutton said prices are pretty similar to last Thanksgiving, but some of those changes here and there can add up.
“But you just have to adjust, just like everything,” Dutton said. “You know, I don’t know if there’s any real secret to what is different out there or what you can do to save some money.”
Here’s a simple list of the cost changes for Thanksgiving dinner:
Item 2013 Price 2014 Price Difference
Misc. ingredients $3.20 $3.48 +$0.28
Sweet potatoes, 3 lbs. $3.36 $3.56 +$0.20
Whipping cream, 1/2 pt $1.85 $2.00 +$0.15
Milk, 1 gallon whole $3.66 $3.76 +$0.10
Pumpkin pie mix, 30 oz. $3.10 $3.12 +$0.02
Green peas, 1 lb. $1.54 $1.55 +$0.01
Cubed stuffing, 14 oz. $2.67 $2.54 -.$013
16-pound turkey $21.76 $21.65 -$0.11
Fresh cranberries, 12 oz. $2.42 $2.34 -$0.08
Pie shells (2) $2.49 $2.42 -$0.07
Rolls, 12 $2.18 $2.17 -$0.01
TOTAL $49.04 $49.41 +$0.37
Overall, 37 cents isn’t likely to break the bank, but consider when this survey first started in 1986. Thanksgiving dinner cost about $29 at that time.
“Ham prices and pork prices have really gone up, maybe 25 to 30 percent,” Dutton said. “They’re at record highs across the board. So ham prices are definitely more, and they’ll be more for Christmas as well.”
While Dutton said everyone is feeling a squeeze, it’s important to remember why we’re gathering at the dinner table in the first place.
“It’s just a time to be thankful. Thankful for what we’ve got, because really we are very blessed. Things cost us more, but we have a lot to be thankful for.”
