Families dish up alternatives amidst rising Thanksgiving food costs

Ontarians could see a significant change in how they approach Thanksgiving dinner this year because of high food prices.

Food economist, Sylvian Charlebois says, “The bird is probably the most popular thing at Thanksgiving and turkey is actually more expensive this year about 18 per cent nationally.”

Other dishes are between five and ten per cent higher.

Although some food has come down in prices like pork, cranberries, and tofu if you like tofurkey.

The overall price increases are because of avian flu and unfavorable weather patterns.

“These high prices have some people rethinking their usual Thanksgiving dinner,” says Charlebois. “I do believe that many hosts will be inclined to ask for some help, ask guests to bring along a dish, a salad or dessert, things like that.”

“We’re still going to have the dinner we just won’t have as many options this year. We’ll stick with either a ham or a turkey as opposed to doing both.”

As families navigate food costs, their focus on Thanksgiving remains on what is most important to them.

“I’m thankful for our health and our family.”

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