Americans can expect a costly Thanksgiving this year, with double-digit percent increases for turkey, potatoes, stuffing, canned pumpkin and some other staples. The government estimates food prices will be up 9.5% -10.5%. Historically, they’ve risen only 2% annually. Lower production, labor and transportation are part of the reason. Disease, rough weather and Ukraine are contributors. It isn't a shortage thing, says David Anderson, a professor at Texas A&M. It's "tighter supplies." Wholesale turkey prices are at record highs. Avian flu wiped out 49M turkeys and other poultry in 46 states. An 8-to-16-pound turkey hen will hit $1.77 per pound, up 28%. But there are plenty of whole birds. Butterball said avian flu impacted only about 1% of production, but it may be harder to find turkey breasts or other cuts. Higher ham prices are giving cooks fewer cheap alternatives. Not every item on those shopping lists is significantly more. Cranberries had a good harvest. Prices are up less than 5%. Green beans up just 2 cents more a pound. Some grocers are discounting turkeys and staples. Walmart turkeys are less than $1 per pound and says ham, potatoes and stuffing will cost the same as last year. Kroger and Lidl also have cut prices. (The AP 11/18/22) Rising food costs take a bite out of Thanksgiving dinner | AP News
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