AFBF Thanksgiving survey

Menu items for a classic Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the basic trimmings have dropped by 4 per cent in price this year, according to a report by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

AFBF’s 24th 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 US$42.91, a US$1.70 price decrease from last year’s average of US$44.61.

“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.

The AFBF survey shopping list includes turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and beverages of coffee and milk, all in quantities sufficient to serve a family of 10.

In the fresh produce department, a 1-pound relish tray of carrots and celery is down to US$0.72, while a 12-oz. package of fresh cranberries now costs US$2.41.

Two items, green peas and sweet potatoes, stayed the same in price at US$1.58 for 1lb and US$3.12 for 3lbs, respectively.

Despite retail price increases during the last year or so, AFBF said US consumers have enjoyed relatively stable food costs over the years, particularly when adjusted for inflation.

“Consumers are benefiting at the grocery store from significantly lower energy prices and the effects of the economic slowdown. Again this year, the cost per person for this special meal is less than a typical ‘value meal’ at a fast-food outlet,” explained AFBF economist Jim Sartwelle.

More than 200 volunteer shoppers from 35 states participated in this year’s survey. AFBF’s survey menu has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.