A survey from the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) found that the annual cost for a Fourth of July cookout has increased by 5 percent from 2023 and nearly 30 percent from five years ago.
The survey, which included items like cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, and ice cream for 10 guests, calculated an average cost of $71.22, or $7.12 per person, marking the highest cost recorded since the survey began in 2013.
Ground beef saw one of the largest price increases, rising by 11 percent, while lemonade went up by 12 percent from last year. Chicken and potato salad were the only items that did not experience significant price hikes.
“Higher prices at the grocery store reflect a number of challenges facing America’s families. Lower availability of some cookout staples and inflation are hitting people in their wallets,” explained AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan. “Farmers are also feeling the effects of high prices. They’re price takers, not price makers. Their share of the retail food dollar is just 15%, but they still pay elevated fuel, fertilizer and other supply prices.”
AFBF President Zippy Duvall commented on the rising grocery bill for the American family trying to celebrate independence day. He pointed out that although food prices are at an all time high, our country still has the luxury of lower food prices on a global scale and has food independence.
“As we celebrate this nation’s independence, we also celebrate America’s food independence. And while all families in America are paying more for food than before, we still have one of the most affordable food supplies in the world. In the United States, we are blessed with the tools to grow the food, fiber and renewable fuel to meet the needs of every family across the country,” Duvall said.
