Thanksgiving costs lower in Marion

Last year, the cost of the average Thanksgiving meal for a typical American gathering of 10 cost under $40, but is up to $41.12 in 2008 according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

But in Marion, the same gathering of people can be fed for considerably less by shopping for bargains at the city’s two groceries. According to advertised prices from Conrad’s Food Store and Food Giant, the cost to feed 10 would be $29.09.

The following Thanksgiving staples are listed with the price found in Marion with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s national average in parenthesis:

• 16-pound turkey, $12.48 ($19.09);
  
• Cube stuffing, 14 oz., $1.25 ($2.57);
  
• 30 ounces of pumpkin pie mix, $2.50 ($2.34);
  
• Two pie shells, $1.33 ($2.26);
  
• Three pounds of sweet potatoes, $1.77 ($3.12);
  
• A dozen rolls, $1.50 ($2.20);
  
• One pound of green peas, $1.25 ($1.58);
  
• One gallon of whole milk, $3.48 ($3.78);
  
• Fresh cranberries, 12 oz., $2.28 ($2.46); and
  
• Half pint of cream, $1.25 ($1.70).

The Associated Press contributed to this story.