LANSING — U.S. consumers are getting some good news as they fire up the grill for their Fourth of July cookouts.

A look at prices from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) for Independence Day meal staples shows the average cost for a summer cookout for 10 people remains affordable at an average of $59.50, or less than $6 per person.

That’s a drop of 16 cents from last year from last year, but 8% higher compared to 2019 for foods including cheeseburgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream.

“Michigan farmers are proud to provide high-quality food for families across America at an affordable price,” said Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski, a Tuscola County farmer. “The price stability of these holiday favorites is a testament to the dedication of our nation’s farmers.”

The largest year-to-year price increase was for strawberries. Survey results showed 2 pints of strawberries at $5.30, up 22% from last year, due to strong demand and the effects of several weather events including severe rain, hail and high winds that caused significant setbacks to the harvest early in 2021.

“The cost of a summer celebration cookout is a great value,” said Ernie Birchmeier, manager of the Center for Commodity Farm and Industry Relations for Michigan Farm Bureau. “Some prices are slightly less than a year ago while others are slightly higher but consumers can enjoy their favorite grilling choice knowing that it is very affordable. Our food system is back to normal after the challenges of the pandemic and there is plenty of food available whether you decide to grill out, eat in, or go to one the great restaurants in your neighborhood.”

This year’s survey combines Bureau of Labor Statistics food price data with the results collected by more than 160 volunteer rural shoppers across the country and in Puerto Rico, including Farm Bureau members and others.

Individual prices, AFBF 2021 summer cookout:

• 2 pints of strawberries, $5.30 (up 22%)
• 13-ounce bag of chocolate chip cookies, $4.02 (up 11%)
• 8 hamburger buns, $1.66 (up 6%)
• 2.5 pounds of homemade potato salad, $2.75 (up 3%)
• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, $6.74 (up 1%)
• 32 ounces of pork & beans, $1.90 (down 13%)
• 2 pounds of ground beef, $8.20 (down 8%)
• Half-gallon of vanilla ice cream, $4.69 (down 5%)
• 3 pounds of center cut pork chops, $11.63 (down 2%)
• 2.5 quarts of fresh-squeezed lemonade, $3.65 (down 2%)
• 1 pound of sliced cheese, $4.05 (down 1%)
• 13-ounce bag of potato chips, $4.93 (down 1%)

— Michigan Farm Bureau

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