CCFB News» By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek

Although shoppers may notice higher prices for certain ingredients, the overall cost of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner has decreased, according to an annual survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

In its 40th year, the Thanksgiving survey reports a table of classic dishes for 10 people will cost an average of $55.18, or about $5.52 per person, down 5% from last year, but still higher than four years ago. The estimated cost in Illinois is 11% below the national average, with an estimated total meal cost of $49.20.

Thanksgiving dinner will cost less this year, marking the third straight year of price declines. Farm Bureau’s informal survey shopping list includes turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, a vegetable tray and pumpkin pie with whipped cream.

Pollinators provide invaluable support to agricultural production and supply chains — a message that matters to farmers and Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, especially during Pollinator Week.

To provide outreach about the importance of pollinators, the zoo hosted its third annual Pollinator Week education collaboration alongside community partners from Illinois Farm Bureau and the Cook County area. Tourists and residents of all ages visiting on June 18 had the chance to learn about the work pollinators do to support food production and how farmers and consumers alike can work to implement practices that can support them long-term.