Thanksgiving Feast Costs Bite: U.S. Families Juggle High Prices & Gratitude

This Thanksgiving, Americans are grappling with a bittersweet reality: While turkey dinner prices have dipped since 2022, they’re still 24% higher than pre-pandemic levels. For many, holiday cheer now comes with a side of budget math .

The Price of Gratitude

A classic Thanksgiving meal for 10 averages $61 this year – down $6 from 2022, but still way above the $49 average in 2019. Economists call it ‘sticker shrink’ – lower inflation rates masking the real cumulative price spikes since COVID-era disruptions.

Community Spirit on the Menu

In Miami, local organizations are stepping up like never before. ‘We’ve seen a 40% increase in meal kit requests compared to last Thanksgiving,’ shares a volunteer at Feed305, while sorting sweet potatoes . Churches and neighborhood groups are hosting potluck drives, proving that holiday warmth isn’t just about the food – but who you share it with.

As families recalibrate traditions (think smaller turkeys or DIY cranberry sauce), this Thanksgiving reminds us: Resilience tastes better when served with compassion.

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Many in U.S. still struggling to pay for groceries

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