SDC Digital News | National Economy Report
“Thanksgiving Turkey Sales Cool as SNAP Cuts Bite into Holiday Tables”
By SDCNews One Staff Writers for SDC Financial Times Reporter and TRDR Radio
APACHE JUNCTION AZ [IFS] -- Across the United States, grocery store freezers that once emptied quickly in November are now filling up with unsold turkeys. Retailers say the slowdown in Thanksgiving bird sales is sharper this year than anyone expected—a reflection of both shrinking household budgets and growing consumer protests against major grocery chains.
For decades, turkey has been the centerpiece of the American Thanksgiving table. Outside of the holidays, sales hold steady as families use turkey for sandwiches, soups, and everyday meals. But this year, retailers are watching a disturbing trend: the traditional holiday surge just isn’t happening.
Industry analysts and store managers point to a major factor—federal SNAP benefit cuts. Many low-income families who relied on government assistance to stock up for holiday feasts are now finding it difficult to afford the basics, let alone a 12-pound turkey that can run anywhere from $25 to $45.
“People are coming in, looking, and walking away,” said one grocery manager in St. Louis. “They’re grabbing smaller chickens, canned goods, or skipping the big meal altogether.”
At the same time, a wave of consumer boycotts targeting national and local chains has further thinned out foot traffic. Whether in protest of price hikes, corporate practices, or political ties, aisles that once buzzed with shoppers now stand unusually quiet. The silence, some store owners say, feels heavier than the weight of the turkeys piling up in their coolers.
Economists warn that this combination—reduced government aid and consumer discontent—could spell trouble for holiday retail overall. Meat producers, transporters, and farmers who count on Thanksgiving sales are also beginning to feel the chill.
Meanwhile, community food pantries and local charities are reporting record demand. Donations can’t keep pace. “It’s not that Americans stopped caring about tradition,” said a volunteer in Chicago. “It’s that a lot of them just can’t afford to keep it going.”
As the holidays approach, the golden bird that once symbolized plenty is becoming a mirror of America’s growing divide—between those who can still celebrate in abundance and those watching from the sidelines, trying to make do with less.
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