by Atlanta, GA — Families across metro Atlanta are preparing for a more expensive Thanksgiving as rising grocery prices, increased utility costs, and newly implemented tariffs add financial pressure ahead of the holiday season. For many households, the challenge is not only about gathering loved ones but also finding a way to afford the traditional meal without breaking their budgets.
Shoppers Feel the Stress Ahead of the Holiday
At Westview Corner Market, the aisles are filled with residents calculating what they can afford. Among them is Westview resident Missy Derr, who is hosting Thanksgiving for the first time after the recent loss of her father. For her, the holiday carries emotional weight — and financial concerns.
“We recently lost our father so we’re going to actually use a few of his recipes,” Derr told CBS Atlanta. “He had amazing potatoes he called the smashing potatoes, so I’m excited to recreate that for dad. I’m a little terrified because one, I’m not a very good cook — and then, I’m very price conscious.”
As Derr moves from shelf to shelf, she notices that many of the staples she once relied on have inched up in cost. Even basic pantry items are now stretching household budgets.
“Very nervous,” she said. “The staples that we’re used to, like chicken broth — I could’ve sworn to goodness it was $1.50 back in the day.”
Her concerns mirror those of countless metro Atlanta residents facing the sharpest Thanksgiving grocery price spike in years.
Poultry Prices Surge as Demand Stays Strong
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that continued strong demand — combined with ongoing effects of avian flu — has pushed poultry prices well above last year’s levels. Families hoping for a budget-friendly turkey dinner may be disappointed.
According to federal officials, turkey prices are up 40%, a staggering increase for households already wrestling with elevated food, housing, and utility costs. For many, these soaring poultry prices are forcing them to reconsider traditional dinner plans or seek out more affordable alternatives.
Markets across Atlanta are bracing for more customers asking about substitutes, discounts, or smaller holiday portions. Still, the USDA expects overall Thanksgiving demand to remain strong due to deep-rooted cultural traditions tied to the holiday.
Tariffs Bring Another Round of Price Increases
Adding to shoppers’ challenges, new tariffs have triggered price increases on several imported food and beverage items.
Store manager Delaine Williams of Westview Corner Market said customers will likely notice the impact immediately.
“With the recent tariffs, there are some items that we’ve had to increase the price on,” Williams explained. “Products like wines and chocolate have seen the biggest bumps. It’s definitely noticeable, especially if you are — like we all are — budgeting.”
Williams noted that shoppers may feel the squeeze most in the seasonal and specialty aisles, where imported items often play a large role in holiday entertaining.
However, not all news is discouraging. Williams said that some prices have remained stable, and certain categories have even seen slight decreases.
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President Trump recently announced that some tariffs will be rolled back on selected food imports, a move aimed at softening holiday-season inflation. The partial rollback may offer some relief to families finalizing their Thanksgiving menus.
Balancing Tradition and Budget in Uncertain Times
For metro Atlanta residents like Derr, the challenge is balancing cherished family traditions with financial practicality. The rising cost of everyday items means more thoughtful planning and, in some cases, scaling back.
“I just want to make this Thanksgiving special,” Derr said. “But the prices definitely make you think twice.”
Experts say many families may opt for smaller gatherings, switch to more affordable menu items, or stretch leftovers further than usual. Others may rely on local deals, coupons, or bulk purchases to stay within budget.
Despite the rising costs, stores are preparing for a busy season, expecting families to show resilience as they work to preserve the spirit of togetherness that defines Thanksgiving across the country.
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