An informal survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation found that, despite increased retail food costs, picnics remain affordable at less than $6 per person.
“Although retail food prices have increased modestly over the past year or so, most Americans should be able to find summer picnic foods at close to the average prices found by our volunteer shoppers,” said John Anderson, AFBF deputy chief economist.
The study used 60 volunteer shoppers in 22 states to check retail prices on hot dogs, burgers, spare ribs, deli potato salad, baked beans, corn chips, lemonade, chocolate milk, watermelon, ketchup and mustard.
The average cost of a picnic for 10 people was $57.20, or $5.72 per person.
“Even if your picnic menu differs from the survey menu, most Virginians should be able to find summer picnic foods close to the average survey prices. With plenty of Virginia fruits and vegetables in peak season, there should be plenty of opportunity to incorporate fresh, local foods on the menu at very reasonable prices,” said Tony Banks,Virginia Farm Bureau Federation assistant director of commodity marketing.
The AFBF picnic survey is part of that organization’s marketbasket series, which also includes an annual Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey and two “everyday” marketbasket surveys on common food staples that can be used to prepare a meal.
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