Americans Seek Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Amid Rising Food Prices

Rising Costs Prompt Americans to Adjust Thanksgiving Meal Plans As Thanksgiving approaches, many Americans are reevaluating their holiday culinary traditions in light of rising food prices. A recent report from Defend America Action reveals that a large segment of the population is opting for budget-friendly meal alternatives rather than the traditional turkey dinner. This report, which incorporates feedback from numerous Democratic state legislators, illustrates the financial adjustments individuals are compelled to make due to the strain of current economic conditions. The legislators noted, “While Trump and Republicans spend billions bailing out their allies and handing out tax breaks to billionaires, Americans are facing higher prices with fewer resources. Many Americans will find themselves clipping coupons, cutting costs, and waiting in long lines instead of settling in for a relaxing holiday with family and friends.” According to the findings, approximately 57% of Americans are experiencing higher costs for their Thanksgiving essentials compared to last year. Specific price increases include a 24% rise in turkey prices, 45% for canned cranberries, 17% for frozen peas, a 6.6% increase for cheddar cheese, and a significant 37% for sweet potatoes. The price surges are not limited to traditional side dishes; they also encompass numerous other Thanksgiving staples, such as wine, sugar, and whipped cream. Legislators link these escalating costs to policies implemented during President Trump’s administration, particularly recent tariffs on imported goods like farm equipment and essential agricultural supplies. These tariffs have raised production costs for farmers, ultimately impacting consumer prices. The tariffs are effectively taxes on imports, often resulting in higher prices for consumers. President Trump has maintained that these tariffs are designed to create stronger trade agreements. However, turkey farmers are particularly struggling, facing additional hardships due to tariffs that were introduced in March, which affected animal feed imports from Canada and Mexico—a significant component of their expenses. Moreover, the challenges are intensified by a delayed governmental response to an avian flu crisis that has decreased the U.S. turkey supply to its lowest level in 40 years. Consequently, many are making different choices for their holiday meals; reports indicate that some households are substituting chicken for turkey, while around 10% may skip protein altogether, focusing instead on side dishes. Nearly a quarter of individuals plan to reduce portion sizes this year. This behavior reflects a stark contrast to Trump's assertions of greater affordability this Thanksgiving. Although he has highlighted a 25% price drop in pre-packaged meals at Walmart as proof, this claim does not fully capture the broader situation, as these packages often contain fewer items and lower-quality ingredients compared to previous offerings. Travel expenses have also risen, with airfare prices increasing by 3.2% from 2024. Despite this, travelers are likely to encounter the same or diminished service levels due to staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the aftermath of a government shutdown. During the Thanksgiving travel period, approximately 31 million people are anticipated to fly between November 21 and December 1. According to a poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs, grocery prices are a source of anxiety for over half of Americans, who view rising food costs as a significant stressor in their daily lives.