Holiday feast could be cheaper this year
Thankful for the prices
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Consumers can give thanks for lower food prices as Turkey Day approaches.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average price of a Thanksgiving meal has dropped about 4 percent to $42.91.
Last year, the average price was $44.61 for 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.
"Consistent with the retail food price declines seen throughout the year, consumers will pay just a bit less for their Thanksgiving feast this year," said Jim Sartwelle, an American Farm Bureau economist.
"Consumers are benefiting at the grocery store from significantly lower energy prices and the effects of the economic slowdown."
This year, the cost per person, according to the farm bureau, is less than the typical fast-food value meal.
Milk saw the biggest price drop, falling almost $1 to $2.86 a gallon. A 16-pound turkey was $18.56, or $1.16 a pound - about 44 cents less than the prior year.
Items that increased slightly in price (less than 5 percent) this year were cubed bread stuffing, 9-inch pie shells and cans of pumpkin pie mix.
Green peas and sweet potatoes stayed the same in price.
To arrive at the numbers, farm bureau volunteer shoppers look for the best possible prices, without taking advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.
The survey was first conducted in 1986, when the average price of a Thanksgiving meal was $28.74.
Sartwelle said despite retail price increases during the last 12 months, American consumers have enjoyed relatively stable food costs over the years, particularly when adjusted for inflation.
Hannaford Supermarkets said the best price for a turkey at its stores has fallen to a 10-year low of 40 cents per pound. Last year, turkey cost 47 cents per pound at the chain.
Hannaford spokesman Michael Norton said 2008 was "unusually challenging" for certain produce prices. Since then, however, fuel and commodity prices have fallen, bringing down with them the cost of many food items.
"In comparison to last year, it's just a much better environment for shopping," Norton said.
Not all markets saw a decline in food prices, though.
Bob Okasky, manager of Sorrentino's Deli & Market in South Glens Falls, said the numbers were about the same as last year.
The going price per pound for a turkey at Sorrentino's is $2.49, which is on par with the price in 2008, Okasky said.
Calls to other local grocery stores, including Sokol's Market in Queensbury and Byron's Village Market in Schuylerville, were not returned.
Posted in Local on Saturday, November 21, 2009 7:35 pm | Tags: Business, Thanksgiving, Food Prices
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