CINCINNATI — According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, Americans will spend around $64 to feed 10 people a traditional Thanksgiving meal this year. That's 20% higher than last year and 37% higher than 2020.

The Federation said there are a few factors behind the increase, but inflation is a large part of it.

What You Need To Know

  • Data from the Consumer Price Index shows the price of groceries to eat at home increased over 12%

  • That means Thanksgiving food items are higher this year than what people are used to

  • One shopper at Findlay Market said they were surprised when they saw the turkey prices this year

  • Steep prices have caused some shoppers to buy fewer items this holiday season than in the past

Every year Kayla Chambers and her mom go to Findlay Market to pick out their turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. But this year, they were surprised when they saw the prices. 

“Small turkeys used to be like $15 to $30 or something like that, but now it’s like $50 to $131,” said Chambers.

Data from the Consumer Price Index shows the price of groceries to eat at home increased over 12%, and that’s why families, like the Chambers', can’t shop like they did the past.

“Buying what we typically want to buy and splurging how we use to is over,” she said.

(Farm Bureau)

But they’re figuring out other ways to make sure dinner on Thursday is still a success. 

“We make accommodations, but we always make it work,” she said. “Especially because we grow our own vegetables.”

Even if prices for Thanksgiving food are more than most can afford, Chambers said there may be resources in the community that could help out. 

“Don’t be afraid to reach out to your free stores, local community free stores and stuff,” she said. “Don’t be shameful in it. You got to do what you go to do for your own family.”