In years past, we have offered ideas for political issues to bring up around the dinner table that tend to unite family members on both sides of the aisle. That has included changing Daylight Saving Time, celebrating America’s 250th birthday, and the anniversary of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spearheaded 32 years ago. Inflation has also been on that list for the last several years, but this year, there is a more positive spin.
There are several factors that account for the steep rise in our grocery bills in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic, bird flu, supply chain issues, tariffs, and an increase in taxes have increased the prices of food over the last several years. This year, however, we are seeing a decrease in the cost of certain Thanksgiving staples and retailers getting more creative to save families a few bucks.
The American Farm Bureau Federation has surveyed the costs of Thanksgiving dinners for 40 years. Their analysis for 2025 shows a “moderate decline” in prices. The average cost for a 10-person meal is $55.18 this year, compared to $58.08 last year and $61.17 in 2023. Turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and dinner rolls have decreased in price. The turkey used to make up 43% of the total cost of dinner, but that has dropped to 39%. Vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, frozen peas, carrots, and celery, have increased in price, though. Dessert has remained virtually the same.
Retailers are finding ways to balance their bottom line while keeping their customers loyal to their stores by bundling a variety of private and commercial brands. Kroger is selling their annual “Freshgiving bundle” – a package that includes turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and other sides – for around $4.75 per person depending on the region. This is the lowest price in four years. Aldi and Lidl have similar meal bundles that have seen a slight decrease in price this year as well. Walmart is matching last year’s prices on their 15-item Thanksgiving meal ($40 for 10 people) which allows families to be more creative by possibly purchasing a few more spices or adding another dish to the table. The only consequence is a fuller belly.
Hopefully, you have purchased all your Thanksgiving dinner needs by now, but Christmas dinner is right around the corner where you once again may be preparing a family get-together. This time, consider buying local. At last year’s Eagle Council 52, farmer AJ Richards spoke to us about food sustainability. He created the website From the Farm to connect Americans with independent farms in their area. These farms provide a variety of goods such as meat, vegetables, honey, baked goods, and more. Plus, they do not take a single dollar from corporations. Check out AJ’s remarks here.
Speaking of farms, last week, we reported on the new ban on harvesting THC from hemp. While you may not get consensus on this issue around the Thanksgiving table, it seems Big Marijuana is marketing its product in all manner of ways. The Wall Street Journal reported recently on a phenomenon known as the “cousin walk” where young adults will slip away from the festivities to partake in a different type of herb. Cannabis dispensaries have even coined the Wednesday before Thanksgiving as “Green Wednesday” due to people stocking up on their marijuana and THC products. This day has become the second biggest day in sales just behind 4/20. While some find this activity a bit silly, it can take a dangerous turn into extreme mental and physical health consequences. Someone with the “munchies” eating into your savings this year would be the least of your worries. If you broach the subject with family, make sure you visit our Eagle Forum resources on pot or Smart Approaches to Marijuana to equip yourself with the facts.
We have much to be thankful for this year, including a bit of room in our budgets. Eagle Forum wishes you a joyous Thanksgiving with family, friends, and good food!
