Thanksgiving dinner is cheaper in Eastern Iowa

Although up slightly from 2007, the cost of Thanksgiving dinner in Eastern Iowa is well below the national average.

An informal survey conducted by The Gazette this week shows a traditional meal for 10 costs $35.78 in Cedar Rapids and $35.57 in Iowa City. The national average is $42.91, according to a survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation, only up 65 cents from 2007.

The shopping list used in both surveys includes milk, turkey, whipping cream, rolls, a relish tray of carrots and celery, fresh cranberries, pumpkin pie mix, pie shells, stuffing, sweet potatoes, peas and miscellaneous cooking ingredients.

“Consumers are benefiting at the grocery store from significantly lower energy prices and the effects of the economic slowdown,” said Jim Sartwelle, an American Farm Bureau Federation economist. “Again this year, the cost per person for this special meal is less than a typical ‘value meal' at a fast-food outlet.”

The most expensive part of the meal - a 16-pound turkey - costs less than it did two years ago. In Cedar Rapids, it dropped 18 cents to $12.30, and in Iowa City, it dropped $1.12 to $11.52. A gallon of whole milk is also significantly less, dropping 69 cents to $3.04 in Cedar Rapids and 80 cents to $2.95 in Iowa City. Both are slightly higher than the national average of $2.86 a gallon.

Sartwelle said despite retail price increases during the last year or so, American consumers have enjoyed relatively stable food costs over the years, particularly when adjusted for inflation.

Pumpkin pie mix increased the most over the past several years. In Cedar Rapids, it jumped 61 cents to $2.17 for 30 ounces, and in Iowa City, it increased 21 cents to $2.08. Nationally, it increased 32 cents to $2.45.

More than 200 volunteer shoppers from 35 states participated in this year's American Farm Bureau Federation survey. The menu has remained the same since 1986 to allow for consistent price comparisons.

To see the complete survey, go to http://newsroom.fb.org/