Northwest Iowa — Despite ongoing weather and trade challenges that have hampered farmers, the traditional Thanksgiving dinner is still a bargain at just under $5 a serving for a family of 10, according to the 34th annual American Farm Bureau Federation Thanksgiving Dinner Price Survey.
The full survey shopping list includes turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of celery and carrots, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and beverages of coffee and milk, in quantities sufficient to feed 10 people.
A total of 264 volunteer shoppers checked grocery store prices in 38 states for the annual Thanksgiving survey. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s staple survey menu has not changed since it was first conducted in 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.
The opinion poll revealed that 90% of Americans celebrate the holiday with a special meal and turkey remains a staple for 95% of consumers, while half serve both turkey and ham at their Thanksgiving meal. In recognition of changes in Thanksgiving dinner traditions, the Farm Bureau price survey includes ham, potatoes and frozen green beans. Adding these foods to the classic Thanksgiving menu increased the overall cost slightly, to $62.32 or just over $6 per person.
