Old North News

Americans are in for a shock at the grocery store when shopping for this year's upcoming Thanksgiving meal. 

According to a survey released by American Farm Bureau, Thanksgiving dinner prices are up 20% since last year, and the prices for just about every holiday meal staple have risen dramatically. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices in South Atlantic states, which includes North Carolina, have increased over 8% over the last 12 months.

"This year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 will run you $64.05 — less than $7 dollars per person — according to Farm Bureau's 37th annual #ThanksgivingSurvey," American Farm Bureau said on Twitter.

Axios reports the Farm Bureau's 37th annual Thanksgiving survey shows that 2022 prices for Thanksgiving dinner staples are going to cost Americans around 20% more when compared to last year. The recently released survey found the average cost of this year’s holiday meal for 10 is $64.05 — up $10.74 from 2021's average of $53.31.

According to regional Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Atlantic states, including North Carolina, have seen prices increase 8.3% in the last 12 months, before seasonal adjustment.

“General inflation slashing the purchasing power of consumers is a significant factor contributing to the increase in average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner,” AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan said. “Other contributing factors to the increased cost for the meal include supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine." 

Cryan also notes that higher retail turkey prices can be attributed to "a slightly smaller flock this year, increased feed costs and lighter processing weights.”

According to Farm Bureau's cost survey, the cost of a 16-pound turkey is around $28.96 this year — an almost $5, or 21% jump from last year's average of $23.99 for the same size bird. A 4-pound Ham that cost $10.87 last year now costs around $11.64 (up 7%). Other significant price increases to note are the costs for a 14-ounce bag of cubed stuffing mix (up 69%), both sweet and russet potatoes (up 11% and 23%, respectively), dinner rolls (up 22%), two frozen pie crusts (up 26%), pumpkin pie mix (up 18%), and green beans (up 25%). When analyzed on a three-year basis, the cost of Thanksgiving dinner has jumped nearly 32% since 2019.

This year’s national average cost was calculated by the Farm Bureau using 224 surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Volunteer shoppers from the nationwide company checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. They looked for the best possible prices but did not take advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.