The turkey isn’t the only thing inflated this year, these holiday food prices are at their peak this Thanksgiving. Holiday dinner increased 40% over the last two years, according to the American Farm Bureau.

Companies are really cracking down on their sale prices. With lower production rates and higher cost for labor, prices for this season are bound to go up. The cost for turkey has all other Thanksgiving foods beat. This year, reports of a deadly avian flu has wiped out almost 50 million turkeys, in addition to other poultry, across 46 states. The scarcity of turkey caused an increase of 73% for its cost per pound. It now sits at approximately $2.28 per pound.

Some ways to save this holiday season is by not buying more than you need. Having a giant turkey just for the leftovers is a great way to make your pockets hurt. Reducing the amount of meat you buy can cut costs, you can also focus on more side dishes. Try to incorporate frozen, or even canned, vegetables instead of fresh ones to save money.

Even with these price increases, it is important to be grateful for what we have, and to understand that not everyone is as fortunate. During this time of thankfulness, try giving back and donating to your local food pantry. Every family deserves to have a plentiful Thanksgiving.
You can visit Feeding America to locate your closest food bank.