Knoxville Families Can Expect a Thrifty Thanksgiving Meal in 2024
As Thanksgiving draws near, families across Knoxville are starting to plan their festive feasts. With rising grocery prices becoming a hot topic, you might wonder just how much you’ll need to fork over for this year’s holiday dinner. Well, it looks like we have some good news! Recent findings from the University of Tennessee Extension suggest that _Tennesseans will actually spend a little less on Thanksgiving meals this year compared to 2023_.
Turkeys at a Bargain!
According to Professor Andrew Griffith from the UT Agricultural and Resource Economics department, wholesale turkey prices have experienced a significant drop this year. In fact, they are down by a whopping 24% since last Thanksgiving, with prices currently ranging between _just $1.97 and $2.73 per pound_. That means many families can snag their turkey at the lower end of that scale!
And that’s not all! The price of whole hens weighing 8 to 16 pounds is also down, sitting at roughly $0.80 to $0.90 per pound, marking a decrease of 23%. So if turkey and ham are the stars of your Thanksgiving table, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
Some Items on the Rise
However, it isn’t all rainbows and sunshine when it comes to grocery pricing. While the classic holiday mains are getting cheaper, staples like milk and eggs are experiencing some notable price hikes. In fact, the price of eggs rose to $3.82 per dozen in September, marking the highest price we’ve seen since February 2023, and representing an increase of $1.76 compared to last year’s prices. Yikes!
Meanwhile, milk prices have also crept up by 1.4% over last year’s $4.02 a gallon. It seems like we can’t catch a break with these essential items!
Overall Cost Savings
Despite these setbacks, the good folks at the UT Extension Economics Leadership Team report that overall, the cost of a Thanksgiving meal in 2024 is looking healthier! They surveyed grocery stores across Tennessee from November 1 to November 8, just in time to grab those holiday deals. And the average cost for a full Thanksgiving meal comes in at _around $126.76_, making it possible to feed a family of ten at approximately $12.68 per person. Last year, the same meal cost about $128.02—so you’re saving a few bucks!
If you opt to stick with store-brand items, you could bring your total average down to _$116.26_ or just $11.63 per person. That’s some food for thought!
Cautions Ahead
While the report shows many items have experienced significant price drops—like turkey (down by 15%), ham (down by 18.8%), and even crispy fried onions (down by 17.8%)—some things are getting pricier. Be prepared for a 78% jump on canned pumpkin pie mix, a classic favorite for many Thanksgiving tables!
Food items with major increases include eggs (up 76%!), one-pound vegetable trays (up 35%), and whipping cream (up 14%), which can certainly add some surprising costs to your shopping list.
Make the Most Out of Your Feast!
As you prepare to fill your table with delicious dishes, it’s also important to think about how much you might waste. The folks at the UT Extension emphasize that, during Thanksgiving, Americans waste a staggering 316 million pounds of food each year! Learning to minimize food waste can help your family save money not just during the holidays but all year round.
So, as you gear up for a cozy Thanksgiving this year, keep these prices and tips in mind. With a little smart shopping, you can create a festive feast without breaking the bank!
