Hosting the classic Thanksgiving dinner will cost 13 percent more this year

washington post ^ | 11/10/2011 | ap

[tobyhill]

Putting a traditional turkey dinner on the table is going to be pricier this Thanksgiving.

The American Farm Bureau Federation reported Thursday that a meal with turkey and all the trimmings will cost about 13 percent more this year.

The trade group estimates a classic meal for 10 will cost $49.20 on average. That is $5.73 more than last year’s $43.47 average.

The meal will cost less than $5 a person, but it’s still much more expensive than in years past. The jump results from food makers and grocers raising their prices to cover higher commodity costs.

Nearly everything from cranberries to pumpkin pie is pricier this year, but the biggest hike is for the main course: A 16-pound turkey costs almost $4 more this year, at $21.57, according to the trade group.

The group surveyed prices in stores nationwide. But grocers often discount key items as the holiday approaches and that could reduce the cost of Thanksgiving dinner.

John Anderson, senior economist for the Farm Bureau, said it’s important to remember that Americans spend a smaller percentage of their income on food than most people around the world.

[buffyt]

We do turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, pies, lima beans, rolls, etc and it cost MANY times that $43. The turkey can cost THAT much. 7 of us eating.

[Tax-chick]

We’ll spend considerably less than that on food for 11 of us, especially using the free-turkey special at the Food Lion.

But we’ll spend more on wine and beer.

[iowamark]

Article says turkey costs 1.35 per pound. However, I just saw turkeys on sale for 78 cents/pound and they will go lower by Thanksgiving.

[jazzlite]

Looks like all of us might be headed to the dog/cat food isle in the future.

[petercooper]

In other news, Al Gore still has not found the key to his “lockbox”.

[EBH]

Exactly, I just bought a Turkey for 0.69 per lb. Limit was two though.

[tobyhill]

You are correct and now at some stores they are offing bargain prices with purchase of an additional amount.

What I noticed is at one store last year they were offering 29 cents a pound with $50 additional purchase but this year the same store is offering 49 cents a pound with $75 additional purchase.

[Dem Guard]

"Looks like all of us might be headed to the dog/cat food isle in the future."

That is going up in price fast as well.

[Rebelbase]

13% is a small price to pay for an end to the Stuffing Mine wars.

/obscure

[Beagle8U]

I have the free turkey special everyday in my back yard. There are about 50 of them that live in my woods. They come to my pond to drink daily.

[tobyhill]

I wanted to point out this article because the government keeps talking about no inflation but they keep leaving out food and energy which acts like an additional tax harder on the middle class.

[Georgia Girl 2]

My sister and I are going for the free turkey points at Ingles. She’s cooking this year for only 5. I’m getting stuck with Christmas for 14-16. Thats going to cost way more than $43.00. You are right about the wine tab. LOL!

[who knows what evil?]

TV dinners have NOT gone up 13% since last year...

[Darkwolf377]

I’m showing solidarity with my OWS brothers and sisters and eating at my mom’s for free this Thanksgiving.

I’m showing solidarity with my mom by washing first. I hope OWS won’t disown me...

[who knows what evil?]

49 cents a pound in the People’s Republik of Red Hampshire...lots of employers hand out FREE turkeys, as well...anyone that pays $1.35 is buying top of the line, probably fresh birds.

[tobyhill]

We are having a roasted wild hog, compliments of my 12 year old son who shot 2 of them last weekend, and some venison from a deer that was also shot last weekend by a family friend on the same trip.

[LibLieSlayer]

barack hussein obama... mmmmmmm... mmmmmmm... mmmmmmm!

LLS

[petercooper]

Michelle will just tell everyone to eat less to make up for it.

[Beagle8U]

I haven’t seen any wild hogs on my property, but there are a few in the area. Plenty of deer though, my son just went out about 1/2 hour ago.