TARRANT COUNTY, Texas — Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, and if you plan on hosting a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, it’ll cost you more this year.
The latest numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show inflation eased, but was still stubbornly high in October. Consumer inflation reached 7.7% in October from a year earlier and 0.4% from September, the Labor Department said Thursday.
Data from the Bureau of Labor statistics shows the cost of turkeys is up 17% from October 2021 to October 2022. Compared to a year ago, butter has gone up 26%, canned fruit and veggies are up 18% and potatoes are 15% higher.
Russell Boening, president of the Texas Farm Bureau, has tracked growing food costs over the last year.
In 2021, the Texas Farm Bureau estimated an average, traditional Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people would cost $53. The estimated cost is based on a list of items, including: turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie, coffee and milk.
This year Boening projects the same Thanksgiving meal will cost even more.
“Nobody likes to see the cost of everything go up, but everything has gone up,” Boening said. “We’re looking at a little over $60 for 10 people.”
WFAA shopped the entire list compiled by the Texas Farm Bureau. When comparing the grand total (including taxes) for the lowest priced items at three groceries stores, both in-store and online, a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 10 would cost at least $65.
Walmart is promising families this year's Thanksgiving meal at last year’s price.
As for quality time with friends and family? That’s priceless.