The cost of Thanksgiving meal may be a little less this year

Americans on average will pay a little less than last year for their Thanksgiving meal.

The American Farm Bureau Federation says this year the average price for a feast serving 10 people will cost an estimated $61.17. That’s down almost 5 percent compared to last year’s estimate.

One of the reasons is a drop in price for the bird.

Michael Walden is an economist with North Carolina State University. He says last year’s supply of birds was lower because of a breakout of avian flu. 

"I think turkey prices went up at least over 20, maybe 30 percent," he says. "This year, the good news is we don't have the avian flu. So supply is good."

Walden says Thanksgiving significantly contributes to North Carolina’s over $100 billion agriculture and agribusiness economy as the state is a major producer of such items on the holiday table as turkeys and sweet potatoes.

The Farm Bureau Federation says that although the cost of a Thanksgiving meal is down a little compared to last year, it’s still about 25 percent higher than pre-pandemic prices.