Thanksgiving Meal More Costly This Year

To feed a family of six, the classic thanksgiving turkey and fixings will run you about $70, dessert included.

News 4 wanted to check out prices in our region.

With Thanksgiving and the December holidays being so close together, you might be budget-conscious.

In recent years Americans, who lead the world in turkey consumption, purchase about 46 million turkeys at Thanksgiving; however, turkey’s popularity expands beyond our borders.

The Arkansas Farm Bureau reported an average of $17.40 for a 16-pound male turkey, down 68 cents from $18.08 previous year. That’s up from last year’s $21.06.

Green peas, 1 lb.: $1.52, down 3 cents.

Hy-vee catering tells us they’re preparing more than 60 turkey meals at Hy-Vee West in Mason City and the number of orders goes up around 20 percent each year.

Turkey prices in NY were up about $1.65 per pound, an increase of 12 cents a pound on average, the survey found. The big ticket item – a 16-pound turkey – came in at $23.04 this year. Food away from home inflation is 2.5% this year against the 2.7% historical average while food at home inflation is just 1.1%, drastically lower than the historical average of 2.6%.

Popular ways to eat sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving include: pureed, baked or as a casserole with marshmallows. You will pay a bit more for eggnog.

Alcohol sales previous year accounted for $245 billion in economic activity, with a spike in November and December, according to the American Beverage Licensees, which represents alcohol beverage retailers. The Department of Health would like to remind you that since turkey can also be a source of food-borne disease, a few hints about proper storage and cooling methods might be helpful in preventing illness among your family and guests. Last year’s average price was $1.24.

However, not everything on the grocery list sees an increase in price.

The economic downturn will likely affect how most consumers tackle the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Obesity rates across the country are soaring, and we need to ask ourselves if we’ve created a culture that is not only OK with overeating but even glorifies it on occasions like Thanksgiving. In 2014, the AAA estimated that 46.3 million Americans traveled for the holiday. They should be defrosted in the refrigerator, allowing a day of thawing for every four or five pounds.

And what would a holiday meal be without stuffing? “Despite what some headlines might lead consumers to believe, turkey remains an affordable source of protein”.