Peach Tree Times

Georgians are in for a shock at the grocery store when shopping for this year's upcoming Turkey Day.

Thanksgiving dinner prices are up 20% since last year, and the prices for just about every holiday meal staple have risen dramatically; a survey released by American Farm Bureau showed.

This comes as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports prices in South Atlantic states, which includes Georgia, have increased more than 8% over the last 12 months.

"This year’s classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 will run you $64.05—less than $7 dollars per person—according to Farm Bureau's 37th annual #ThanksgivingSurvey," the American Farm Bureau said on Twitter.

Farm Bureau's 37th annual Thanksgiving survey shows that 2022 prices for traditional Thanksgiving dinner staples are going to cost Americans approximately 20% more when compared to last year, Axios said. The survey, which was released Wednesday, found that the average cost of this year’s holiday meal for 10 is $64.05—up $10.74 from 2021's average of $53.31.

Regional Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for South Atlantic states—including Georgia—shows price increases of 8.3% in the last 12 months, before seasonal adjustment.

“General inflation slashing the purchasing power of consumers is a significant factor contributing to the increase in average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner,” AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan said in a release from the Farm Bureau. “Other contributing factors to the increased cost for the meal include supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine.”

Cryan also noted that higher retail turkey prices can be attributed to "a slightly smaller flock this year, increased feed costs and lighter processing weights.”

The cost of a 16-pound turkey is approximately $28.96 this year, an almost $5—or 21%—jump from last year's average of $23.99 for the same size bird, the Farm Bureau's cost survey showed. A 4-pound ham that cost $10.87 last year now costs approximately $11.64 (up 7%). Other significant price increases to note are the costs for a 14-ounce bag of cubed stuffing mix (up 69%), both sweet and russet potatoes (up 11% and 23%, respectively), dinner rolls (up 22%), 2 frozen pie crusts (up 26%), pumpkin pie mix (up 18%), and green beans (up 25%). When analyzed on a three-year basis, the cost of Thanksgiving dinner has jumped nearly 32% since 2019.

This year’s national average cost was calculated by Farm Bureau by using 224 surveys completed with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Volunteer shoppers from the nationwide company checked prices in person and online using grocery store apps and websites. While they looked for the best possible prices, they did not take advantage of special promotional coupons or purchase deals.