White House says Thanksgiving meal prices dropped, but there’s more to it.
The White House Claims Thanksgiving Meal Costs Are Down, But Still Above Pre-Pandemic Levels
The White House made a bold statement on Monday, declaring that the cost of Thanksgiving meals has decreased. While it’s true that the average cost of turkey, side dishes, and desserts has slightly dropped from last year’s record high, they still remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre kicked off Monday’s briefing by presenting a mouthwatering list of Thanksgiving staples, including turkey, cranberries, car rentals, and airfare. She then proceeded to reveal the percentages by which the prices had decreased.
KJP opens today’s briefing by whipping out a literal food menu and claiming that this Thanksgiving is actually one of the cheapest ever pic.twitter.com/j4vUYp2Fk7
— Dylan Housman (@Dylan_Housman) November 20, 2023
Although there has been a decrease in prices, some of them quite significant, since last year’s record-breaking Thanksgiving meal, they still remain higher than previous years, especially before the pandemic.
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According to a report published by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for ten people in 2023 is $61.17. This represents a 4.5% decrease from last year’s average cost of $64.05. However, it is still a 14.7% increase from 2021 ($53.31) and a staggering 25% increase from 2019 ($48.91).
The primary reason for the decrease in cost, as stated by the AFBF, is the lower price of turkeys. They explained, “Given its prominence, the turkey is the true driver of Thanksgiving dinner prices. This year’s drop in turkey prices is attributable to a decrease in avian influenza cases and the subsequent recovery of the turkey flock.”
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Prices also varied across different regions of the United States, with the west coast ($63.89) and the northeast ($64.38) experiencing higher average costs compared to the south ($59.10) and the midwest ($58.66).
“According to AFBF’s national Thanksgiving survey, 2023 will have the second most expensive Thanksgiving meal in the survey’s 38-year history,” stated the AFBF in their final report. “The 4.5% reduction in the cost of the Thanksgiving meal was primarily driven by the lower turkey prices, as well as reductions in seven out of the eleven surveyed dinner items. Although prices have started to decrease, food price inflation remains a significant concern and poses a financial constraint for all U.S. consumers.”
What is the difference in price for side dishes and desserts compared to before the pandemic?
When compared to pre-pandemic levels. This information raises questions about the true affordability of Thanksgiving meals for the average American family.
Let’s start by examining some of the key items on the White House’s menu presentation. The cost of a turkey, which is traditionally the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner, has indeed decreased by around 7% compared to last year. This reduction may be attributed to improved supply chains and more stable pricing in the poultry industry. However, it’s important to note that turkey prices are still elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, with a noticeable increase of approximately 15%.
Side dishes, including cranberries and other traditional accompaniments, have also seen slight decreases in price. However, when compared to the prices before the pandemic, these items still show an increase of around 10%. Similarly, desserts have seen a decrease in prices from last year but remain approximately 12% higher compared to pre-pandemic levels.
It is worth noting that the White House also included car rentals and airfare in their discussion of Thanksgiving costs. While these may be relevant factors for those traveling during the holiday season, they do not represent the core components of a Thanksgiving meal. Including these expenses in the discussion can create confusion and may not accurately reflect the true cost of the Thanksgiving meal itself.
The overall message from the White House is that Thanksgiving meals have become more affordable. While this may be true to some extent, it is crucial to also consider the larger context. Rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increased input costs have all contributed to the elevated prices we currently observe. As a result, despite the modest decreases in costs from last year’s record highs, the cost of a Thanksgiving meal remains significantly higher than it was before the pandemic.
For many Americans, the Thanksgiving holiday represents an opportunity for family gatherings and a time to share a meal together. However, the rising costs of food and associated items can pose challenges for families on tight budgets or those dealing with financial hardships. Understanding the true picture of Thanksgiving meal costs is essential for ensuring informed decision-making and realistic expectations.
In conclusion, while the White House has claimed that the cost of Thanksgiving meals has decreased, the reality is that they are still higher than pre-pandemic levels. While there have been some modest price reductions from last year’s record highs, overall affordability remains a concern. It is important for individuals and families to be aware of these costs and plan accordingly to ensure a meaningful and financially sustainable Thanksgiving celebration.
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