By Matthew Holloway |

A report released by the American Farm Bureau Federation has revealed that for the third year in a row, the national average consumer cost for putting on a typical Fourth of July cookout has increased. This year the average given for a conservative celebration feeding 10 is approximately $71.22. The increase of about 5% from 2023 would seem minor if it were not merely the latest increment of the 30% jump from 2019 prices enjoyed during the Trump administration.

The report contradicts a White House release from June 20 that claimed, “grocery inflation is, in fact, way down.” In a survey conducted by the Farm Bureau, volunteers across the country registered a record high result since the survey began in 2013. The volunteers priced out the constituent components of cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries, and ice cream, with other common accompaniments.

AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan laid it out in a statement,

“Higher prices at the grocery store reflect a number of challenges facing America’s families. Lower availability of some cookout staples and inflation are hitting people in their wallets. Farmers are also feeling the effects of high prices. They’re price takers, not price makers. Their share of the retail food dollar is just 15%, but they still pay elevated fuel, fertilizer and other supply prices.”

The Bureau reported the price increases broken down by individual purchases:

• 2 pounds of ground beef, $12.77 (+11%)
• 2 pounds of chicken breasts, $7.83 (-4%)
• 3 pounds of pork chops, $15.49 (+8%)
• 1 pound of cheese, $3.57 (+1%)
• 1 package of hamburger buns, $2.41 (+7%)
• 2 ½ pounds of homemade potato salad, $3.32 (-4%)
• 32 ounces of pork and beans, $2.49 (+2%)
• 16 ounces of potato chips, $4.90 (+8%)
• 13-ounce package of chocolate chip cookies, $3.99 (+2%)
• ½ gallon of ice cream, $5.65 (+7%)
• 2 pints of strawberries, $4.61 (+1%)
• 2 ½ quarts of lemonade, $4.19 (+12%)

While a record high, the report detailed that costs have not exceeded the all-time high in 2022 crediting the adaptability of the American farmer. AFBF wrote, “Our volunteer shoppers had their most expensive Fourth of July grocery bill in the history of the survey this year. However, when adjusted for the high inflation rates plaguing the United States in recent years, the real value of their Independence Day party has not surpassed the previous record set in 2022. Though faced with disease outbreaks, inventory shortages and operating challenges, farmers and ranchers have adapted to increased demand across the world for U.S. products, providing safe, affordable food for your Independence Day celebration and every other day, showcasing the resilience of the American food system.”

In an interview with Yahoo Finance’s Jennifer Schonberger, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made the Biden administration’s case as to why food prices have not noticeably declined despite alleged improvements in the economy. She essentially blamed increased labor costs and grocery store profit margins claiming, “I think largely reflects cost increases including labor cost increases that um firms, um grocery firms have experienced, although there may be some increases in margins.”

On June 20, the Biden White House put out a report based on the most recent Consumer Price Index data alleging that not only “some grocery prices have fallen,” but that “wage growth has been strong, grocery purchasing power is up.”

A survey from Intuit Credit Karma reported by CNBC on June 17 seemed to align with the Farm Bureau’s assessment with 80% of Americans polled stating a noticeable increase in the cost of groceries with many having to skip necessities like rent or mortgage bills to afford food. They wrote, “That includes 28% who sacrificed other needs like rent or bills to pay for groceries, and 27% who occasionally skipped meals. Additionally, 18% have either applied for or considered applying for food stamps, while 15% rely on or have considered turning to food banks.”

Startlingly though, 53% of those asked told pollsters that they “earn too much to qualify” for food stamps or any other government assistance and despite their earnings are still struggling to make ends meet.

In a statement, AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “As we celebrate this nation’s independence, we also celebrate America’s food independence. And while all families in America are paying more for food than before, we still have one of the most affordable food supplies in the world. In the United States, we are blessed with the tools to grow the food, fiber and renewable fuel to meet the needs of every family across the country.”

Duvall stressed the importance of Congress passing legislation to better support agriculture to ensure the nation remains dominant in the field. “The success of America’s farmers is due in part to partnerships in research, conservation and farm safety net programs that are made possible through a strong farm bill. It’s crucial that as we celebrate the holiday we also urge members of Congress to return to Washington and pass a new, modernized five-year farm bill. We cannot afford more delays and short-term extensions. Farmers, and every family in America, are relying on them to get the job done to ensure America continues to lead the world in agriculture.”

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.