Cost of a Thanksgiving meal drops in Virginia

Virginians will be able to feed their families a Thanksgiving meal for less than $4.50 per person this year, according to an informal price survey conducted by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

The survey of the price of basic items found on Virginians’ Thanksgiving tables places the average cost of a traditional meal for 10 adults at $44.52. The menu includes turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, milk and pumpkin pie with whipped cream.

Prices were reported using no promotional sales or coupons.

VFBF reports this year’s average represents a decrease of $1.93 from the 2014 average total.

The locality surveyed that had the highest average cost for a meal was Powhatan County at $59.83. The locality with the lowest average cost was Carroll County at $31.61.

“This year it will most definitely pay you to shop for your prices, as we are seeing a wide range of prices statewide,” said Jonah Bowles, VFBF agriculture market analyst.