By Blake Jackson
The cost of a traditional Thanksgiving meal is down again this year, marking the third consecutive decline, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF)’s 40th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey.
The report tracks the average price of classic holiday foods for a gathering of 10. Nationally, the meal averages $55.18, or $5.52 per person, reflecting a 5% drop from 2024.
Prices vary by region. In the Northeast, the average rises to $60.82, and in New York it climbs even higher to $66.06, nearly 20% above the national average. For comparison, the South averages $50.01, the Midwest $54.38, and the West $61.75.
The biggest contributor to the decline is the turkey. A 16-pound frozen bird now averages $21.50 nationwide, a 16% decrease from last year. In New York, however, that same turkey costs roughly $28.27.
AFBF credits retail promotions for helping keep turkey prices down even though wholesale prices for fresh birds have increased. USDA data also shows that advertised prices for frozen turkeys continued falling in mid-November.
“It’s encouraging to see some relief in the price of turkeys, as it is typically the most expensive part of the meal,” said AFBF Economist Faith Parum, PhD.
“Farmers are still working to rebuild turkey flocks that were devastated by avian influenza, but overall demand has also fallen. The combination will help ensure turkey will remain an affordable option for families celebrating Thanksgiving.”
AFBF’s shopping list includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, a vegetable tray, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Half of these items declined in price, supported in part by lower wheat costs, while fresh vegetables and sweet potatoes saw significant increases due to volatile markets and weather disruptions.
“Here in New York, where prices are higher than both the national and Northeast regional averages, we continue to experience issues like labor shortages, rapidly increasing farm wages and rising production costs, which affect prices in the grocery store, as well as a higher-than-average cost of living,” said New York Farm Bureau Director of Communications Amanda Powers.
“It’s also important to note that higher retail prices do not mean more money in farmers’ pockets. Farmers are price takers, not price makers. So, while we are encouraged by the overall national decline in Thanksgiving meal ingredients, food prices in New York remain higher for consumers in grocery stores and farmers continue to struggle with increased expenses producing our food.”
Photo Credit: pixabay
Categories: New York, General