Stuffing It

Today’s propensity for overeating might actually seem economical when you consider you that can feed 10 people for $28. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, that’s the average cost for a Thanksgiving meal of turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries and a dessert. But how much you pay depends upon where you live. This year, according to the federation’s annual survey, prices per pound of turkey have ranged from 19 cents to $1.34. The national average is 79 cents a pound. While prices may vary, almost all supermarkets strategically sell their turkeys below cost--on average 30 cents per pound.

Average prices for the elements of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people, for this year and last:

Menu 1993 1994 Turkey $11.06 $12.01 Stuffing 2.24 2.26 Pie mix 1.36 1.36 Pie shell 1.30 1.27 Sweet potatoes 1.36 1.62 Rolls .93 1.09 Peas .96 1.01 Carrots .22 .26 Celery .23 .32 Milk 2.37 2.30 Onions .20 .20 Cranberries 1.82 1.86 Coffee .17 .27 Whipped cream .71 .71 Misc. 1.90 1.85

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The price for the whole package for 10 people (including dessert and a beverage) is less than it was in 1990:

Year Price 1990 $28.85 1991 25.95 1992 26.39 1993 27.49 1994 28.39

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If you’re not doing it yourself, prices go way up. Prices for prepared Thanksgiving meals cooked to order (most include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable and cranberry sauce, and feed six to 10 people):

Name Price Lucky $39.99 Hughes 39.99 Pavilions 38.95 Mrs. Gooch’s 59.99 Gelsons 59.99

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Having someone else cook your meal and set the table is costlier still. Prices for Thanksgiving meals at restaurants, per meal:

Name Price Denny’s $ 7.99 Coco’s 8.95 Marie Callender’s 8.95 Hyatt Hotel 25.95 Drai’s 32.00 Patina 40.00

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While turkey ranchers and cranberry growers used to be very dependent on the holiday season, both have become year-round crops. Concerns over fat and cholesterol have put turkey meat in everything from burgers to hot dogs.

Pounds of turkey consumed per capita in the United States: 1975: 8.3 1995: 18.5*

* Estimate

Note: statistics revised by USDA in 1993 to reflect inspected turkeys consumed.

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Per capita consumption of fresh cranberries, in pounds: 1975: .14 1993: .19

Sources: American Farm Bureau Federation; industry sources; National Turkey Federation; Turkey World Magazine; USDA