The cost of hosting a traditional Independence Day cookout remains near a record high, according to new data from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). This year’s average for a cookout serving 10 people is $70.92, just 30 cents less than last year’s record of $71.22. Midwestern shoppers will fare slightly better, with the same meal averaging $69.87. The annual market basket survey includes staples like cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, potato salad, baked beans, ice cream, and lemonade. Among the notable price changes, pork chop prices were down 8.8 percent, while canned pork and beans rose 8.2 percent. Ground beef climbed 4.4 percent from last year, driven by continued supply limitations from a historically low cattle herd. Food affordability remains a key concern for Iowans, as a recent survey from the Harris Poll found 80 percent of shoppers worried about regulations raising food costs. More findings from the AFBF’s Fourth of July survey are included below.
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