Thanksgiving to cost less
Retail: Milk prices play role in making this year’s dinner cheaper than in 2008

On average, families will spend $42.91 on a dinner that includes turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the trimmings, a 4 percent drop from 2008.

Milk, which costs nearly $1 less than last year was the single biggest contributor to the overall decrease in the dinner menu.

Turkey also costs less, at about $18.65 for a 16-pound bird, 3 cents less per pound than last year, the Farm Bureau said.

A decrease in energy prices has helped farmers produce food that costs less overall, said Sam Knipp, vice president of corporate communications for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.

"Food is a good bargain in this country,” he said. "It’s one of the few things today we are paying less for.”

He applauded retailers such as Walmart for making food affordable for consumers.

Last week, Walmart began advertising low prices on Thanksgiving staples, including turkey for 40 cents per pound. The retailer said its customers can buy the ingredients for a turkey dinner to feed eight for just $20.

Walmart’s Thanksgiving feast includes a smaller menu than the one used by the Farm Bureau, which feeds 10 and includes more fresh produce and beverages.

For the survey, Farm Bureau volunteers scout their local grocery stores for the best possible prices without special promotions or coupons.

Retail prices at Homeland stores reflect the national trend, said marketing director Kelly Epperson.

In addition, the stores’ prepared Thanksgiving dinners, which include a turkey or ham and choice of sides, cost about $35, the same as last year.

She said by comparing this year’s sale flier to 2008, more traditional items decreased than increased, making a home-cooked meal a good value.

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