As Thanksgiving approaches, New Yorkers are feeling the pinch of rising food costs, with the price of a traditional holiday meal significantly higher than the national average. According to the New York Farm Bureau, a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people in New York will cost an average of $66, or $6.60 per person, marking a 20 percent increase compared to the national average of $55.18. This contrasts with the national trend, which saw a 5 percent decrease from 2024. In New York City, shoppers have reported noticeable price hikes for holiday staples like turkeys, yams, and vegetables. Lisa Smith, a 77-year-old retiree from Brooklyn, shared that while she can manage her grocery expenses, the rising costs have impacted her other expenditures, such as travel and transportation. Major retailers like Walmart and Target are offering low-cost meal deals to alleviate the burden, with ShopRite providing free turkeys or hams to loyalty cardholders who spend $400 during a specified period. The American Farm Bureau Federation noted that the average cost of a 16-pound frozen turkey in New York is $28.27, compared to $21.50 nationwide. Amanda Powers, Director of Communications at the New York Farm Bureau, attributed the higher prices to labor shortages, rising farm wages, and increased production costs. Meanwhile, Angel Hernandez, a 53-year-old from Queens, expressed concern over the high cost of food, particularly turkeys, as he prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving with his 10-year-old son. Deloitte’s 2025 Thanksgiving Index indicates that food costs have risen at a more normal historical rate, with an estimated $76.50 for a meal serving eight people, up 0.6 percent from 2024. Despite the challenges, some New Yorkers, like Ella Sauter, find relief through their jobs, which provide food assistance, easing the financial strain of the holiday season.