This year, Hoosiers can expect to pay less for their Thanksgiving meal, with the average cost of a 10-person spread coming in at $53.31 according to the Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual market basket survey. This is $1.33 less than last year and significantly lower than the national average of $58.08. The survey includes the cost of a 16-pound turkey, stuffing mix, sweet potatoes, peas, rolls, cranberries, and more.
Hoosiers benefit from lower prices on major meal ingredients like turkey, which is 17% cheaper than the national average due to Indiana’s position as a center for turkey production. Pumpkin pie filling costs are also down, while prices for cranberries, whipping cream, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and veggie tray items have increased. Despite some price spikes, the overall cost of the meal is 8% lower in Indiana compared to the national average.
However, the overall cost of a Thanksgiving meal in Indiana has increased by 25% over the last five years, reflecting post-pandemic inflation. Still, costs are starting to trend downward, with this year’s meal costing 27 cents less than in 2021. Despite the challenges, Indiana farmers are finding ways to decrease production costs and contribute to the state’s economy, with turkey and pumpkin production being key aspects.
For more information on state government and legislation, visit the Indiana Capital Chronicle website.
Source
Photo credit www.therepublic.com
