Imagine if your family’s annual turkey dinner suddenly cost twice as much this year. That’s what many Americans face thanks to a perfect storm of inflationary policies under the Biden administration.

The White House has been touting its economic achievements, but behind closed doors, it’s becoming clear that everyday families are feeling the pinch in their wallets more than ever before. It’s not just about turkey; cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie have joined the list of items becoming increasingly unaffordable.

According to a recent survey, food prices for Thanksgiving staples have risen dramatically over the past year. This surge is directly tied to increased costs of production and distribution, many factors exacerbated by government policies aimed at curbing environmental impacts and reducing income inequality through regulation rather than market solutions.

Think about it like this: you’re used to spending $25 on a turkey each Thanksgiving. Now imagine that same turkey costs you $40—what do you do then? You either buy less, or find yourself cutting back in other areas of your budget. Neither option is ideal when it comes to enjoying the holiday season with loved ones.

For younger families and those still struggling from pandemic-era financial hardships, these price hikes are particularly devastating. The cost of living has already risen significantly over the past two years, squeezing household budgets and leaving little room for discretionary spending like holiday meals.

I did not want to believe this was happening when I first heard about it last week. But the numbers don’t lie: families across America are facing a stark choice between enjoying their traditional Thanksgiving feast or tightening their belts even tighter than usual.

The generational stakes here can’t be overstated. If current trends continue, future Thanksgivings may see more and more households unable to afford basic holiday staples without significant financial strain. My late husband always said that the true measure of a society is how well it cares for its most vulnerable members during times of hardship.

I just want people to understand what this means in real terms, not just abstract economic charts and graphs. This isn’t about politics or party loyalty; it’s about families trying to make ends meet amidst challenging times.

So what can we do? We need to start having honest conversations about the true cost of these policies and whether they are worth sacrificing family traditions and financial security for in the long run.