Economic Survey 2024-25: Food Prices Soar Even As Inflation Eases In FY25
President Donald Trump says the cost of a Thanksgiving meal fell this year. Many voters do not share that view. They still feel pressure when they shop for groceries.
Retail turkey prices dropped 16 percent from last year, based on data from the American Farm Bureau Federation. Target and Aldi cut prices on several side dishes. These cuts look helpful but hide a short reality. Stores often lower prices during the holiday season, and industry analysts expect costs to rise again in January. Bird flu could add more strain.
A short holiday discount does not change how most families feel. They remain worried about their bills. Many say food costs are the highest they remember.
A POLITICO and Public First poll found that people worry more about grocery prices than housing or health care. Fifty-five percent blame the current administration. Twenty percent of Trump voters from 2024 share this view. These concerns show how tough the messaging task is for the president.
Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia said voters cared most about their personal finances. He argued that the president has not lowered costs and that recent actions have raised them.
The White House highlighted several holiday price estimates but left out key context. Walmart advertised a Thanksgiving basket that costs 25 percent less than last year. The basket included fewer items, smaller portions and cheaper brands.
During the annual turkey pardoning, Trump said the economy is stronger than ever.
Stores cut turkey prices to bring in customers and encourage them to buy other goods. This creates confusion about true costs. Prices could shift again in 2026.
Nick Levendofsky of the Kansas Farmers Union said many national chains run sales now. He said people are struggling and that broad claims about affordability do not match daily experience.
Raymond Robertson of Texas A&M University said several factors point to more price increases.
Presidents rarely change grocery prices quickly. Republicans who pressed the Biden administration on the same issue in 2024 now face similar pressure after off-year election losses.
The Consumer Price Index shows that costs have climbed during Trump’s time in office. Prices were up 3 percent from last year in September. Food costs rose 3.1 percent.
A White House spokesperson said wages have grown and that the administration remains focused on its economic agenda.
Trump announced new steps to reduce food price anxiety. Some plans could take years to show results. High labor costs and climate-related risks also push food prices upward, and these issues do not have fast fixes.
This month, Trump rolled back tariffs on items the U.S. does not grow, such as coffee. Agriculture groups argued that these tariffs raised food prices. Other tariffs remain on steel, aluminum and pesticides. These materials affect the cost of potatoes, green beans and other staple vegetables.
Levendofsky said higher fertilizer, equipment and fuel costs raise the price of mashed potatoes, casseroles and other common dishes.
Trump asked the Justice Department to investigate large meatpackers for possible price collusion. These cases take years. Some groups question the move because DOJ recently closed a separate meatpacking inquiry.
His most debated plan is to import more beef from Argentina. He said this will lower prices. Ranchers and Republican lawmakers said it harms American producers.
David Ortega of Michigan State University said lifting tariffs helps on the margin, but price patterns tend to stick. When prices rise, they rarely fall again.
Voters feel that pattern each time they shop.
#FoodPrices #USPolitics2025 #ThanksgivingCosts #TrumpEconomy #GroceryInflation