Arizona Thanksgiving dinner up 5% this year
Supply shortages and general inflation affecting dinner
Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Farm Bureau showcased market basket data revealing a price increase for the average Thanksgiving dinner by at least 5%.
This data is in comparison to the average holiday dinner costing $47.02 for a family of 10 in 2020 and now going up to $49.62, not including in-store coupons or specials.
A 16-pound Arizona turkey in 2021 costs about $19.40, which is a $5.32 or 32% increase from last year.
“Besides a fresh bone-in ham, the main course to our thanksgiving meal is showing the highest price increase,” states Arizona Farm Bureau Outreach Director Julie Murphree. “An encouraging note for Arizona shoppers is that as of this week the turkey is also the best item to find super deals in the grocery stores one week prior to Thanksgiving. When we price, we’re pricing prior to store specials.”
The Arizona Farm Bureau gathered data from surveys and volunteers who went to local grocery stores to check prices.
“Go to Arizona Farm Bureau’s Fill Your Plate to see a category called Thanksgiving Dinner recipes in our recipe section,” adds Murphree. “Our Arizona families asked us to feature these special recipes, some from our Arizona farm and ranch families.”
Prices have seen increases in general from a recent supply and goods shortage.
Related: Arizonans speak out on goods shortage
“Although we will be paying more for our Thanksgiving meal this year, it’s important to remember that Arizona's farmers and ranchers go to work every day to produce the highest quality and safest product for our Arizona families. You may be seeing a higher price in certain food groups in your local grocery store but the costs to produce those items has increased exponentially including fuel and transportation costs,” said Arizona Farm Bureau President Stefanie Smallhouse, a cattle rancher, alfalfa and specialty crop farmer from Pima County.
Some consumers were expecting to reserve turkeys as early as August, but supplies still fell short in September.
Related: National supply-chain shortage affecting your Thanksgiving dinner
“And because of the complexities of our food system, the average farmer is not generally getting more money for their product. Even with the increase in food costs, Arizonans will still be spending a smaller portion of their family budget on food than anywhere else in the world. We are privileged to provide the highest quality and diversity of food available to you in this season of Thanksgiving," continued Smallhouse.
