The Illinois Farm Bureau says the classic Thanksgiving meal will cost 13 percent more this year.
Illinois shoppers participating in the 37th annual American Farm Bureau Federation’s Thanksgiving Cost Survey reported an average price of $65.53 for a classic Thanksgiving Dinner for ten. last year the meal costs $58.15.
Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Junior says Illinois farmers know the role inflation has played over the last year in driving food costs higher. Farmers have been experiencing higher input prices for over 18 months. He says increased fuel prices are a significant component of the distribution of food to consumers.
Turkey, a staple main dish in many Thanksgiving meals, has seen a 21-percent increase over last year nationally. In total, 11 food items increased in average price and one (cranberries) decreased. The largest price increase is for cubed bread stuffing, up 69 percent.
American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist Roger Cryan says general inflation has been running 7% to 9% in recent months, while the most recent Consumer Price Index report for food consumed at home reveals a 12% increase over the past year.
Other contributing factors to the increased cost for the meal include supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine. He added that the supply of whole turkeys available to consumers should be adequate this year, although there may be temporary, regional shortages in some states where avian influenza was detected earlier this year.
