Last week’s Thanksgiving dinner tasted a little more expensive for millions of U.S. families, as food costs this year have surged nearly 30 percent since 2020. Shoppers felt the pinch across the grocery aisle, from turkeys and cranberries to pies and side dishes.
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show staple items—from dairy to produce—are all up sharply. Turkey prices alone climbed more than 20 percent in the past three years, driven by feed costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions. For a typical Thanksgiving spread, that translated into an extra $25 to $30 per household this November.
Adding to the strain was the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, which ended last month after 35 days. During that period, an estimated 800,000 federal workers went without pay, and many families relying on food assistance programs saw benefits delayed. Food banks reported record demand as furloughed employees and their communities lined up for support.
“We’ve never seen lines this long in late November,” says a volunteer at a Miami food pantry. Across major cities, nonprofits scrambled to restock shelves and expand mobile distribution to reach isolated neighborhoods.
Rising food bills aren’t just an American story. Inflationary pressures and logistical hurdles have strained budgets worldwide, from emerging markets to advanced economies. Still, the U.S. faces unique challenges as policy debates intensify over price controls, supply chain resilience, and support for low-income households.
With the winter holiday season now underway, families are watching grocery tags closely. Experts urge shoppers to compare unit prices, buy in bulk, and lean on cooperative community networks for shared meals and recipe swaps. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Washington are crafting relief measures aimed at stabilizing prices and bolstering food security into 2026.
As the calendar turns to December, the Thanksgiving experience of 2025 serves as a stark reminder: food affordability is emerging as a central issue for households, nonprofits, and policymakers alike.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
