Cost for Thanksgiving meal rises slightly this year

If you’re planning on making a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings later this month, expect to spend a little more money.

A survey of grocery store prices in Indiana found the price to make a holiday feast to feed 10 people would cost an average price of $50.99 this year, compared to $49.38 in 2011. That’s an increase of $1.61.

The prices are considered typical of the U.S. Midwest.

A similar survey conducted nationally also recorded an increase, with the meal's cost rising from $49.20 in 2011 to $49.48 in 2012, an increase of 28 cents.

Items included in the meal are a 16-pound turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, relish tray, coffee, milk, cranberries, whipped cream and assorted ingredients.

The survey has been conducted annually by the Indiana Farm Bureau since 1993. Indiana’s survey data is factored into a national market basket survey coordinated by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

“The cost of this year’s meal is around $5 per person, so it’s still a bargain,” said Isabella Chism, a Farm Bureau official.

Almost all of the increase in the surveys can be attributed to an increase in the cost for turkey. The Indiana survey indicated that turkey increased by 20 cents per pound, for a total of $25.56 for a 16-pound bird.

Despite retail price increases during past year, American consumers have enjoyed relatively stable food costs over the years, particularly when adjusted for inflation, bureau officials said.

Neither the national nor the Indiana surveys are scientific. Instead, they’re snapshots of prices on basic items during a given period.

The survey is conducted by volunteers who pick a grocery store in their area and collect prices for specific items. They are asked to look for the best possible prices but not to use promotional coupons or special deals.