Grocery, gas prices loom large as Thanksgiving approaches
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Holiday stress is beginning as Thanksgiving arrives to bring the holidays are officially in full swing. Concerns over grocery store and gas prices loom as people prepare their holiday feasts.
While most people will be traveling via airplanes this weekend, those staying low to the ground might have a better time getting to their familiar destinations. According to AAA, 71 million people will travel using their car or RV. However, some are feeling the strain of gas prices.
"Not good. I own a business and I spend a lot of money on fuel every month. Probably three to $4,000 on gas," business owner Daniel Camacho said.
California's average price for gas sits at $4.44 a gallon. That's higher than the national average of $3.05 a gallon.
"It seems like gas prices definitely went down. Now, they are coming back up," Salinas resident Michael Dellamora said. "As far as gas treating us, I guess miles per gallon is how it treats us, but the price of gas still sucks."
Some residents are choosing to stay home altogether.
"i decide to stay home to be safe," Salinas resident Irma Hernandez said. "Especially as the gas price was kind of high. It's going downright now, but it's just going to be safe this year to stay home."
Beyond the price at the pump, those prepping food are being hit a bit harder.
"The prces are so expensive," Salinas resident and teacher Rhoda Martinez said. "I went to buy stuff for my students’ Thanksgiving, just desserts. Everything is so much more expensive than it was a couple of years ago.”
According to the American Farm bureau Federation's annual Thanksgiving dinner survey, prices are down 5% percent from last year with the average cost of the traditional dinner at $58.
However, that percentage is 19% higher than the price back where the average was $49.
"I see about maybe a few dollars almost in everything or maybe $4 or $5 more than last year," Hernandez said. "It's just getting harder for everybody, you know?"
Another factor in travel plans seems to be the weather with rain and snow expected in much of the nation this week.
