Mississippi families preparing to gather around the dinner table this Thanksgiving will be doing so while spending less money than most of the nation, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
As part of its annual Thanksgiving survey, AFBF found the national average cost of what it says is a “classic” turkey day meal – made up of turkey, stuffing, rolls, peas, cranberries, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and a veggie tray – for 10 people totals $55.18. In Mississippi, the cost lands at $46.77, or about $4.67 per person.
For those who take their spreads to the next level and add boneless ham, Russet potatoes, and green beans, Mississippi families will spend about $66.47. Once again, it’s lower than the national mark of $77.09 for the same culinary lineup.
Overall, the classic spread is down 5% from 2024, and the expanded spread saw a price dip for a third consecutive year. So, what’s creating the drop?
“This year, the meal’s biggest price drop can be found in the holiday’s signature centerpiece: turkey,” a portion of the survey reads. “The average national price for a frozen turkey is $21.50 – or $1.34 per pound – down more than 16% from last year. Historically, turkey has accounted for roughly 43% of Thanksgiving dinner costs, but this year that share dropped to 39%, its lowest since 2000.”
While retail promotions leading into Thanksgiving are expected to push price tags down even further, farmers and ranchers who are keeping the holidays affordable “continue to face a tough economic year,” the survey added, citing falling crop prices, weather disruptions, and high costs for fuel, fertilizer, labor, and equipment.
“Even while facing rising costs and unpredictable weather, Mississippi farm families continue working to make sure every table in our state has access to a safe, affordable Thanksgiving meal,” Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation president Mike McCormick said.
As for the regional side of the study, Mississippi is lower than its neighbors in the South, with the region as a whole averaging $50.01 per classic Thanksgiving spread. That’s lower than the Midwest ($54.38), Northeast ($60.82), and the West ($61.75).
