One of the funniest moments in television history aired in 1978. That's when WKRP in Cincinnati debuted its Thanksgiving episode, titled "Turkeys Away."
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The radio station's manager conceives of a holiday promotion like no other: dropping live turkeys from a helicopter. As the birds are flightless, things don't go as planned, and hijinks ensue. When the disaster ends, the disheveled manager tells the staff, "As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."
Well, turkeys are still flightless, but just in time for Thanksgiving, they have found a way to soar... in price. Details are below.
What's Causing the Thanksgiving Price Increase?
CBS News reports that the United States Department of Agriculture estimates the wholesale price of frozen turkeys will be over 40% this year. That means retailers will pay around $1.32 a pound for the birds in bulk. Stores then decide how much they'll charge shoppers.
The problem, according to the data, is fewer turkeys. Inventory is shrinking due to weak demand and outbreaks of avian flu, which have affected more than 3 million turkeys this year. Over half a million turkeys have been affected this month alone.
Retailers Are Offering Some Deals
For those concerned about their holiday budget, the good news is that some stores are offering great deals to help customers.
This week, Walmart announced it is offering Butterball turkeys for $0.97 a pound, its lowest price since 2019, as part of its annual Thanksgiving meal deal. For less than $40, customers can get enough food to feed 10 people. It includes:
- Butterball Turkey, 13.5 lb. ($0.97/lb.)
- Kinder's Fried Onions, 4.5 oz.
- Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup, 10.5 oz. (1 can)
- Stove Top Turkey Stuffing, Twin Pack 2 x 6 oz.
- Great Value Dinner Rolls, 12 ct.
- Fresh Russet Potatoes, 5 lb.
- Fresh Cranberries, 12 oz.
- Great Value Baby Carrots, 2 lb.
- Great Value Corn, 15 oz. (3 cans)
- Great Value Green Beans, 14.5 oz. (3 cans)
- Great Value Artisan Macaroni & Cheese, 12 oz. (3 boxes)
- Great Value Brown Gravy Mix, 0.87 oz. (2)
- Great Value Pie Crusts
- Great Value Evaporated Milk, 12 fl. oz.
- Great Value 100% Pure Pumpkin, 15 oz.
Aldi is also offering a similar deal. "We believe families shouldn't have to make trade-offs to feed everyone, especially at Thanksgiving," said Scott Patton, CCO, ALDI U.S.
Now that sounds like a holiday promotion we can sink our teeth into.
