Food prices may be higher this year, but that’s not stopping Connecticut residents preparing for their big dinner on Thanksgiving.
As of Sept. 3, the cost of a Grade A, 8-16 pound whole turkey cost $1.72 per pound compared to last year’s price of $1.44 per pound, according to a United States Department of Agriculture report.
The USDA also reported grocery store items have increased by 11% more than in 2021 regardless of the holiday season.
New Haven resident Elizabeth Tuttle said the increase in turkey prices wouldn’t alter the decision of buying it for Thanksgiving.
“We as a country really like spending money,” Tuttle said. “If turkey went up by 30 cents a pound I don’t think anyone is going to let 30 cents a pound break them. You know, I think they’re still going to go for it.”
Tuttle noted that shopping for groceries in person rather than opting for online delivery leads to a higher checkout bill.
“It really helps using a platform like (Instacart) because you stick with what’s on your list,” Tuttle said. “As opposed to if you go into the store yourself, you see something and you grab it. You make a lot of impulse buys, and it adds up more quickly, I think.”
Cheshire resident Dan Rosen explained the price of the turkey didn’t matter to him this holiday season.
“We actually got all our food a few days ago,” Rosen said. “I didn’t really think much about the price, I’m hosting so I needed it.”
Instead of shopping for Thanksgiving grocery items, people may turn to catering services for the big dinner.
Connecticut wedding venue, Cascade Fine Catering in Hamden offers Thanksgiving to-go orders. The menu includes turkey with other sides like cranberry sauce, sweet potato mash and pie.
The company offers two packages to consumers: serving eight people at the price of $225 and serving 12 people at $300, before the extra charge of the 7.35% Connecticut state tax.
In the last two years, Cascade charged $175 to serve 10 people and $225 for 15 people before the state tax was applied.
“Our prices did have to go up a little bit from last year,” Cascade Fine Catering sales assistant, Silvana DeRosa said.
DeRosa said she noticed there is still a high demand for catering orders this Thanksgiving.
Residents can also choose dine-in options on Thanksgiving day around the community at some restaurants such as Bear’s Smokehouse and Shells & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill in New Haven.
The Keefe Community Center offers holiday assistance annually for Thanksgiving meals. Any Hamden resident is eligible to receive a Thanksgiving meal bag with proof of residency and the number of family members. The center also accepts monetary and food donations from the community.
Additionally, Connecticut Foodshare located in Wallingford serves free meals to New Haven county.