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Fourth of July Costs at New High – American Faith

Families planning to have a Fourth of July cookout will see record-high prices.

According to data from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the average cost of Independence Day cookouts this year is $71.22 for ten people.

The cost is 30% greater than five years ago, according to AFBF. “A $7.12 per-person cost represents a record high since AFBF began the survey in 2013,” the survey said.

AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan said, “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,” adding, “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.”

According to AFBF data, 2 pounds of ground beef costs $12.77, 2 and a half quarts of lemonade costs $4.19, half a gallon of ice cream costs $5.65, and one package of hamburger buns costs $2.41. Some items were reduced in price this year, however, including potato salad and chicken breasts.

Despite the higher prices of food, Americans spend a smaller percentage on food than other countries.

“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,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “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.”

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