The cost of Thanksgiving dinner could be higher in Oconto Falls than the state average, unless savvy shoppers can find the deals.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau recently released its annual survey of food prices for a dozen items regularly used in preparing the annual Thanksgiving meal, and the results show the cost in Oconto Falls is $6 higher than the state average. The cost to feed 10 people in Oconto Falls is $54.40, compared with a state average of $48.40 and national average of $49.04.
The lion’s share of the increased local cost can be found in the turkey prices. While the state cost for a 16-pound turkey is $22.40, Oconto Falls residents were paying $27.04 for the same bird when WFB volunteers surveyed stores in early November.
Locals were also paying significantly more for sweet potatoes and cranberries. The price for 3 pounds of sweet potatoes is $3.57 locally, compared with $2.28 statewide. Twelve ounces of cranberries costs $2.99 in Oconto Falls versus the state average of $2.30.
The Oconto Falls prices are below the state average on several items, most notably dairy items. A gallon of whole milk is $3.19, 48 cents below the average, and a half-pint of whipped cream is 59 cents below the state average at 99 cents.
Green peas are also 99 cents in Oconto Falls, compared with the state average of $1.63.
The survey results are not scientific, said WFB spokeswoman Amy Manske. It is one shopper checking prices at one store, although the WFB urges volunteers to check several stores’ prices for the cheapest ones, Manske said.
“A lot can play into it, especially with turkey prices,” Manske said. “As things get closer to the holidays, there’s a lot better deals on turkeys.”
Even with the higher prices locally, food prices overall have remained stable, Manske said. She researched state prices dating back to 2000 and noted, while the cost for nonfood essentials has continued to go up, “Food is always going to be there and going to be a decent price.”
Sarah Mills-Lloyd, University of Wisconsin-Extension agriculture agent for Oconto County, said despite the higher prices, only 16 percent of the food expenditures go back to farmers. Locally, farmers can expect to earn $9.07 from each Thanksgiving meal.
“People don’t realize. They think the farmers are getting rich, which they’re not,” Mills-Lloyd said.
“The producer is receiving more for the product that they produce, but at the same time, they’re spending more to make safe, wholesome food that we all enjoy,” Mills-Lloyd said. “I think that is a key component to (the prices).”
Based on local economics, Mills-Lloyd predicted most shoppers will wait until the week of Thanksgiving to purchase turkeys and other essentials, so the total cost will not be as high.
“A lot of people are those bargain hunters, and they will look for the best price possible,” she said.
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