WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - Nov. 16, 2009 - Families will pay 4 percent less for Thanksgiving dinner this year, while receiving the same wholesome food provided by America's farmers, according to American Farm Bureau Federation's (AFBF) informal Thanksgiving Dinner Price Survey. The 12 items in AFBF's Thanksgiving market basket dropped by an average of $1.70, the greatest year-to-year price reduction since 1991.
According to the survey, a hearty meal including turkey, bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, coffee and milk for 10 people will cost families an average of $42.91, or just $4.29 per person. Together, lower prices for milk and turkey accounted for 80 percent of the decline in the cost of Thanksgiving dinner. The price of a gallon of whole milk has come down 92 cents since last year, and a 16-pound turkey is 44 cents cheaper. Iowa ranks 13th nationally in milk production and 10th in turkeys.
"Once again, we can be thankful for the affordability and wholesomeness of food produced in this country," said Iowa Farm Bureau Director of Research and Commodity Services Dave Miller. "Americans only spend 10 percent of their disposable income on food - less than those in other countries - and this year families are getting even better deals thanks to lower energy prices and less consumer demand as a result of the slow economy. They're also getting a great value thanks to the hard work done by our nation's farmers."
"Iowa farmers take pride in nourishing our country with nutritious and affordable food," said Iowa Farm Bureau President and dairy farmer Craig Lang. "We're constantly working toward eliminating hunger in our country and in our world. When everyone is fed, our world is stronger, and our farmers have the means to support their own families."
More than 200 volunteer shoppers participated in the American Farm Bureau survey, representing every region in the nation. For more information about the survey, visit http://fb.org.twi.bz/c.
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