Thanksgiving dinner prices decline in 2009
The cost of putting together a Thanksgiving dinner has dropped 4 percent in 2009, thanks to the economic slowdown and lower energy prices, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The farm bureau conducted its survey based on what it considers a classic menu for 10 people, including turkey, stuffing, rolls, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, coffee and milk.
Their total price is $42.91, $1.70 less than last year. Milk prices are down 92 cents, contributing to the biggest savings by the farm bureau estimate.
A few items went up, however, including pumpkin pie filling, which is not a surprise given the canned pumpkin crisis we told you about last week.
But it was this detail that surprised me:
"Again this year, the cost per person for this special meal is less than a typical ‘value meal’ at a fast-food outlet,” said Jim Sartwelle, an AFBF economist.
Of course, this calculation does not factor in the time required to prepare the meal, and depending on the menu and number of guests in your own household, it would be really easy to far exceed that estimate.
But after last year's higher prices, lower grocery receipts seem like something to give thanks for.
What's on your menu this year? Are you spending less or more --- because of more ambitious recipes, fewer guests or different approaches such as potluck?
(photo: Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Food, Holiday shopping
