Canada Grocery Benefit: Turkey dinner gets costlier

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, introduced in July, has increased by 25 per cent and will remain in place for five years. This payment aims to assist Canadians in managing their grocery expenses. However, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, which includes a turkey and various side dishes, is expected to cost a Canadian family of four $35.72 in 2026, a 10% increase from the previous year.

Factors contributing to the price hike include high beef prices causing poultry demand to surge, increased production costs, and supply management in the poultry sector. Despite the CGEB, many Canadians may still find it challenging to afford a Thanksgiving meal, as the payment is insufficient to make a significant difference in their budgets.

Some suggest lowering the main protein to ham, lamb, or lobster, but even these options come with a high price tag. Canadians are exploring ways to reduce their grocery bills, such as opting for smaller turkeys, comparing prices at different supermarkets, choosing store-brand products, buying ingredients in bulk, preparing side dishes at home, and cutting costs on non-food expenses like rent and utilities.