When Lubbock families gather around the table each November, the price tag on their Thanksgiving feast has changed dramatically over the past 100 years. Using current prices from United Supermarkets and historical data from the 1920s, we can see exactly how much more families are paying for the basics of the holiday meal.
Today’s Prices (2026)
United Supermarkets lists a 12‑ to 24‑pound turkey at about $40, roughly $2 per pound. A pound of fresh cranberries runs about $2.56. For homemade dressing, a loaf of bread costs between $2.50 and $4.00. A 10‑pound bag of russet potatoes is priced at $5.00, and a dozen non‑organic eggs are $1.73. Adding these items together brings the total cost of a basic Thanksgiving meal to approximately $52.54.
Prices in 1926
In 1926, West Texans faced much lower dollar amounts for the same staples. A pound of cranberries cost just 10 cents. A loaf of bread was 9 cents. A 10‑pound bag of potatoes was 66 cents, and a carton of eggs went for 34 cents. Turkeys were priced at about 50 cents per pound, and the average bird weighed roughly 13 pounds, making the turkey portion cost around $6.50. The combined total for the 1926 meal comes to about $7.69.
What the Numbers Reveal
While the raw dollar figures show a steep increase, the comparison also reflects broader changes in the market. Modern turkeys are larger—often 12 to 24 pounds—so families are buying more meat per bird. Inflation over a century has also eroded the purchasing power of the dollar, meaning today’s $52.54 buys a comparable amount of food to the $7.69 spent a hundred years ago.
For Lubbock households, the rise in food costs mirrors national trends, but the local pricing data gives a concrete picture of how holiday budgeting has evolved. Many families find the current total comparable to a fast‑food combo meal, underscoring how the cost of a traditional feast has become a notable line item in the household budget.
Practical Takeaways for Lubbock Families
- Plan ahead: Buying a turkey early in the season can sometimes lock in lower prices.
- Consider smaller birds: A 12‑pound turkey may meet most family needs while reducing the overall bill.
- Shop sales on side items: Cranberries, potatoes, and eggs often go on promotion in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
- Make use of bulk discounts at United Supermarkets or local co‑ops for pantry staples.
Understanding the historical context of Thanksgiving costs helps Lubbock residents appreciate both the tradition and the modern financial realities of the holiday.
Original reporting: News/Talk 790 KFYO (Lubbock) — read the source article.
