Marylanders preparing for Thanksgiving can expect some relief at the grocery store this year. A survey by the Farm Bureau indicates that the average cost of a traditional holiday feast for 10 people has dropped to $58.08, or $5.80 per person. This marks a 5% decline compared to Thanksgiving 2023. However, meal costs remain 19% higher than in 2019, highlighting the lasting impact of inflation on food prices and agricultural expenses.
The survey, which uses a consistent menu for year-over-year comparisons, noted its highest average cost in 2022, when a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 reached $64.06. “Despite the significant pressures facing our farmers, they continue working tirelessly to provide the local food that sustains our communities,” said Jamie Raley, President of Maryland Farm Bureau. “We encourage Marylanders to support the hardworking men and women in agriculture.”
Turkey Prices See a Decline
A major factor in the reduced costs this year is the turkey. A 16-pound bird averages $25.67, or $1.68 per pound—a 6% decrease from last year. Other notable price changes include decreases in the costs of sweet potatoes, whole milk, and frozen peas. However, certain items, such as stuffing mix, dinner rolls, and fresh cranberries, saw price increases.
Maryland’s Agriculture and Turkey Production
Maryland’s agricultural industry remains the state’s largest commercial sector, with over 12,500 farms covering nearly 2 million acres. The state has also seen significant growth in turkey farming, with production doubling over the past five years. Maryland’s 220 turkey farms now raise over 100,000 turkeys annually, driven by increasing demand for locally sourced food.
The Farm Bureau’s survey, conducted since 1986, tracks the costs of a classic Thanksgiving menu to provide a consistent snapshot of holiday meal prices over time.
Survey Price Breakdown
The Farm Bureau released detailed prices for key Thanksgiving items this year:
- 16-pound turkey: $25.67 ($1.68 per pound, down 6.1%)
- 14 ounces of stuffing mix: $4.08 (up 8.2%)
- Two frozen pie crusts: $3.40 (down 2.9%)
- Half pint of whipping cream: $1.81 (up 4.7%)
- 1 pound of frozen peas: $1.73 (down 8.1%)
- 1 dozen dinner rolls: $4.16 (up 8.4%)
- Miscellaneous ingredients: $3.75 (down 5.1%)
- 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix: $4.15 (down 6.5%)
- 1 gallon of whole milk: $3.21 (down 14.3%)
- 3 pounds of sweet potatoes: $2.93 (down 26.2%)
- 1-pound veggie tray: $0.84 (down 6.4%)
- 12-ounce bag of cranberries: $2.35 (up 11.8%)
For more details, visit the American Farm Bureau Federation’s website.
