FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 26, 2024
Contact: Bryan Wachter (775) 771-8969 | Bryan@RANNV.org
Thanksgiving Meal Slightly More Affordable This Year Traditional Meal Prices Drop 5.1 Percent Thanksgiving meals are slightly more affordable this year, although prices remain higher than historical norms. The cost of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner has dropped by 5.1 percent from last year to $58.08, continuing the downward trend from 2022's peak prices. However, meal costs are still 18.7 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) price survey. This year, the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people was $3.09 cheaper than in 2023. While this reduction offers some relief for consumers, it underscores persistent economic pressures, as prices remain $9.17 higher than in 2019. In Nevada, the Retail Association of Nevada (RAN) forecasts $16.7 million in spending on Thanksgiving food this year, a 4.6 percent decline from last year but a 25.3 percent increase over 2019 levels. Among the 12 staples of a traditional Thanksgiving meal, eight items saw price decreases this year. Turkey, the meal's centerpiece, experienced the largest drop, with the cost of a 16-pound bird declining by $1.68 to $25.67. Other items showing reductions include sweet potatoes (down $1.04), whole milk (down $0.53), pumpkin pie mix (down $0.29) and green peas (down $0.15). Smaller decreases were recorded for pie shells, veggie trays and miscellaneous ingredients. Not all prices are falling, however. Items such as rolls (up $0.32), cubed stuffing (up $0.31), fresh cranberries (up $0.25), and whipping cream (up $0.08) saw modest increases. Since 1986, the AFBF has conducted annual surveys to monitor Thanksgiving meal costs, offering insights into trends in holiday spending and food price fluctuations. www.RANNV.org
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