Title: Average Cost of Thanksgiving Meal Decreases, But Remains High According to White House
Date: [Insert Date]
Source: KP INSIDER
The White House announced on Monday that the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal has seen a slight decrease compared to last year’s record high, although it still remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the topic during a press conference, presenting a list of Thanksgiving staples and highlighting the percentages by which their prices have decreased.
Recent data from the American Farm Bureau Federation revealed that the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for ten people in 2023 is estimated to be $61.17. While this represents a 4.5% decline from 2022, it is still 14.7% higher than 2021 and a significant 25% increase from 2019.
The decrease in cost can largely be attributed to lower turkey prices. This decrease was influenced by a decline in avian influenza cases and a subsequent recovery in the turkey flock. The reduced prices of this traditional centerpiece has helped alleviate some financial burden for consumers.
However, it is important to note that the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal varies across different regions of the United States. The west coast and northeast showed higher costs compared to the south and midwest. These regional disparities can be attributed to factors such as transportation costs, availability of certain ingredients, and local market dynamics.
Despite the decrease in prices compared to last year, the American Farm Bureau Federation cautioned that 2023 will still mark the second most expensive Thanksgiving meal in the survey’s 38-year history. This highlights the continued impact of food price inflation on consumers’ budgets.
In conclusion, while there is some relief in the form of a decrease in the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal this year, prices still remain high. Consumers across the country will need to carefully plan their holiday feasts to accommodate their budgets. The fluctuations in prices, particularly for traditional staples like turkey, serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by American households in these turbulent times.
Word Count: [Insert Word Count]
“Zombie enthusiast. Subtly charming travel practitioner. Webaholic. Internet expert.”