|
LITTLE ROCK — It will cost families less to
prepare the traditional Thanksgiving meal this year, due in part to
discounted turkey prices. According to Arkansas Farm Bureau’s annual
survey, it will cost a family of 10, on average, $39.61, or just under
$4 per person. That’s down $1.14 from last year’s average of $40.75. In
2008, the cost peaked at $40.97.
The statewide average is based on responses from nine
members of the state Women’s Committee who surveyed food prices at
supermarkets across the state. They were asked to report the “best
in-store price” of 12 items included in the meal and are allowed to
take advantage of advertised specials, excluding discount coupons and
purchase requirements.
“With the average cost of the meal down nearly three
percent, this demonstrates a continuation in the softness of general
economic conditions across the country,” said Travis Justice, Arkansas
Farm Bureau chief economist. “These results show that overall food
price inflation is stabilizing for many items on the shopping list, at
least for the time being.”
Arkansas Farm Bureau has surveyed the cost of items included
in the meal for the past 25 years. Though the overall cost of living
has risen during that time, Arkansas Farm Bureau president Randy Veach
says the fact Arkansans may still prepare and enjoy the meal for around
$4 per person is remarkable.
“After rising the past several years, the fact that the
cost of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner is down more than a dollar
is a testament to the efficiency of our nation’s farmers and food
production system,” said Veach.
“We never know what conditions we will have to plant and
harvest in. Last year was the wettest on record. This year we had
extreme heat and drought in parts of the state. Though not as high as a
couple of years ago, energy and fuel costs remain a significant
factor. Despite this, families are still able to come together at
Thanksgiving and share this meal for about four dollars per person. In
this economic climate that is truly reason to give thanks.”
Arkansas food prices continue to remain more affordable than
elsewhere. American Farm Bureau’s national survey revealed an average
cost of $43.47 to prepare the meal, an increase of 56 cents from $42.91
in 2009.
In Arkansas, the average price of a 16-pound young tom
turkey this year is $13.60 or 85 cents per pound, down from $16.58 or
$1.04 per pound in 2009. Justice says it appears many retail outlets
are discounting the price of their “store-brand” frozen turkeys to
attract more shoppers. That trend is being reflected nationally as
American Farm Bureau’s survey reports average turkey prices dropping 99
cents from a year ago to $17.66.
In addition to turkey, prices for brown-and-serve rolls,
frozen green peas and cranberries were also lower. A 12-count package
of rolls is $1.49 this year, down 31 cents, while a package of green
peas is $1.15, down from $1.50 a year ago. A 12 ounce package of
cranberries dropped a nickel to $2.39.
Items on the list that saw modest price increases include
cubed stuffing, up 16 cents; pumpkin pie mix, up 25 cents; a package of
two frozen pie shells, up 14 cents; three pounds of sweet potatoes, up
36 cents; a pound of carrots, up 17 cents; a bunch of celery, up 13
cents; a gallon of milk, up 32 cents; and a one half pint carton of
whipping cream, up 32 cents. Individual totals ranged from a low of
$31.82 in Clinton, to $50.86 in McCrory.
The survey period was Oct. 29 - Nov. 8. The shopping list
has remained unchanged since 1986 to allow consistent price
comparisons. Though unscientific, the survey is intended to be a gauge
of actual price trends across Arkansas and the nation.
|