Rising Costs for Indiana Cookouts

Hoosiers in Indiana may need to allocate a little more of their budget for this year's July 4th cookouts. The Indiana Farm Bureau's annual survey on summer cookout prices reveals that the average cost of feeding 10 people has gone up by 8% compared to last year. This means that Hoosiers are now spending around $69.47 for their cookout, equivalent to approximately $6.95 per person.

The increase in prices aligns with the overall rise in food prices observed in grocery stores throughout the United States, which experienced a 5.8% increase in May compared to the previous year.

Let's take a closer look at the survey conducted by the Indiana Farm Bureau in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Federation. The study examined various cookout items and their price changes from 2022 to 2023. Here's a breakdown:

• Ground Beef (2 lbs.): The price of ground beef was $10.88 in 2022, but it rose by 12% to $12.16 in 2023. This increase in Indiana is 5% higher than the national average.
• Cheese (1 lb.): Cheese in Indiana experienced a slight decrease of 1%, going from $3.57 in 2022 to $3.54 in 2023. However, it remains only 0.3% higher than the national average.
• Cookies (13 oz bag): The cost of cookies increased by 17%, going from $4.07 in 2022 to $4.75 in 2023. Indiana's price increase is 22% higher than the national average.
• Ice cream (half gallon): Indiana witnessed a 4% increase in the price of ice cream, which went from $4.49 in 2022 to $4.67 in 2023. However, it is still priced 12% below the national average.
• Strawberries (2 pints): The price of strawberries saw a minimal change, with a slight increase of 0.3%. It went from $3.79 in 2022 to $3.80 in 2023. Indiana's price remains 17% lower than the national average.
• Chips (16 oz bag): In Indiana, the price of chips rose by 15%, increasing from $4.40 in 2022 to $5.04 in 2023. Indiana's price is 11% higher than the national average.
• Chicken Breast (2 lbs.): Chicken breast prices went up by 5% from $8.87 in 2022 to $9.30 in 2023. Indiana's price is 14% higher than the national average.
• Pork Chops (3 lbs.): Indiana experienced a slight decrease of 0.2% in the price of pork chops, which went from $15.15 in 2022 to $15.12 in 2023. Indiana's price is 5% higher than the national average.
• Pork and beans (32 oz): The price of pork and beans increased by 14%, going from $2.08 in 2022 to $2.38 in 2023. Indiana's price is 2% lower than the national average.
• Hamburger Buns (1 package): Hamburger buns witnessed a significant increase of 30% in Indiana, rising from $1.50 in 2022 to $1.95 in 2023. However, it is still priced 14% below the national average.
• Lemonade (2.5 qts.): Lemonade prices rose by 17% from $3.13 in 2022 to $3.66 in 2023. Indiana's price remains 2% lower than the national average.
• Potato Salad (2.5 lbs.): The cost of potato salad increased by 11% from $2.79 in 2022 to $3.11 in 2023. Indiana's price is 10% lower than the national average.

On average, the total cost of a cookout meal in Indiana increased by 8% from $64.32 in 2022 to $69.47 in 2023. This increase is 3% higher than the national average.

For more detailed information on the national summer cookout market basket results, you can visit the American Farm Bureau Federation's website at fb.org.

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