Turkey prices increase to 22% from last year, according to the USDA

If it's the grocery store you head to for all your Thanksgiving needs, you may be in for a rude surprise when you go to pay - the USDA says turkey prices are up more than 20% since last year.

News 12 Staff

Nov 11, 2021, 5:57 PM

Updated 1,124 days ago

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If it's the grocery store you head to for all your Thanksgiving needs, you may be in for a rude surprise when you go to pay - the USDA says turkey prices are up more than 20% since last year.
For buyers who rely on local turkey drives for their bird, the head of one local organization says the best thing to do right now is not panic.
The USDA says a 16-pound frozen turkey is now selling for $1.41 per pound, up from $1.15 last year. The price increases are being blamed on a drop in production and inflation.
This is not just going to impact your wallet either. Local organizations that host turkey drives like Masbia Soup Kitchen are also impacted. According to Alex Rapaport, who runs Masbia, there's no need to panic. He says they're prepared and have been in touch with the slaughterhouse they work with and will have turkeys.
They will do things a little different this year, however. They won't give away the whole bird, but rather turkey parts. He says this is cost effective for a number of reasons, but mainly because most families don't need an entire 10–15-pound turkey.
So yes - prices are going up but there are still ways to get your hands on a turkey for Thanksgiving and we've got you covered. News 12 has compiled a list of turkey drives and fundraisers in the Bronx and Brooklyn to help you get started.