Feature Articles: Food, Fitness and Your Budget
Cost of Thanksgiving Meal is Affordable
Tammy Roberts, MS, RD, LD, nutrition and health education specialist, Barton County, University of Missouri Extension
The American Farm Bureau Federation conducts an informal price survey every year of the cost of Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people. The average national cost this year is $44.61.
When the 179 people from 38 states shop for the survey, they check prices for turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, carrots and celery for a relish tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, coffee and milk.
When you break down the price per person, the cost is $4.61 per person. This is less than the price of many fast-food meals and includes many more choices. Here in the Midwest, we enjoy lower food costs than on both coasts, so our actual cost may be less than this national average.
When the national shoppers compare prices, they do not include special store sales. For the savvy shopper, there are many bargains to be had during the Thanksgiving food-shopping season. The national average cost for the turkey is $1.19 per pound or $19.09 for a 16-pound turkey. Many stores have specials that offer a turkey for free with a purchase of $50 or $75 of other food. In today’s market, that total is very easy to achieve! Other stores offer deep discounts on the price per pound of turkey.
People who watch grocery store ads know that most items they will need for Thanksgiving dinner will be on sale in the weeks leading up to the big day. If you plan carefully, you can get most of the items you need on sale. This extra planning can result in significant savings.
One of the best ways to save money is to use your leftovers wisely. The turkey can be used for sandwiches, turkey pot pie or casseroles. You can then boil the carcass and make delicious and nutritious turkey soup. By using the turkey to the fullest extent, you save money you would spend for meat at other meals during the week.
There is one more way to save money. Eat only until you are full and then stop. You’ll have the advantage of more leftovers for the next meal, and you may just have the energy to participate in the flag football game out in the back yard!
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Last update: Monday, November 09, 2009
