How American Businesses Make Thanksgiving Special

Nicholas Molinari
Associate Manager, Tax and Economic Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Published

November 25, 2024

The Thanksgiving holiday is a time for Americans to come together and reflect on the many things we as a nation are thankful for. Behind every turkey carved, pie baked, and mile traveled lies the work of countless businesses—from farming to transportation—that not only make the holiday possible but also unforgettable.

Thanksgiving begins on America’s farms. The various staples of a bountiful “turkey day” meal—turkey, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and green beans—are grown and harvested by hardworking farmers across the United States who endure challenges like weather, disasters, and changes in supply and demand to keep food affordable and abundant.

From Farm to Feast: Agriculture’s Role in Thanksgiving

Let's look at some of the most significant ways the agriculture industry impacts the holiday.

Turkey production: With 90% of households planning to serve turkey this Thanksgiving, the demand for this holiday centerpiece is high.

The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that U.S. farmers raise 6 billion pounds of turkey every year.

Minnesota leads the nation in turkey production, contributing significantly to food availability for Thanksgiving Day.

Cranberries and sides: Wisconsin is the top producer of delicious sides like cranberries and green beans, while North Carolina grows over 60% of the country’s sweet potatoes. Corn, often featured in casseroles or as a side dish, is largely harvested in Iowa and is a massive contributor to the U.S.’s position as the world’s largest corn producer.

When it comes to how much this year’s meal will cost, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey, the cost of a typical Thanksgiving meal for 10 this year will be $58.08, down slightly from 2023.

Planes, Trains, and Everything in Between: Traveling for Family

Thanksgiving is also one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with about 300 million Americans planning to celebrate with loved ones.

According to AAA, close to 80 million travelers will journey 50 miles or more this holiday season—an increase of 1.7 million from 2023.

By car: A staggering 71.7 million people will travel on American roads.

By air: Domestic flights are expected to carry 5.84 million passengers.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing to screen a record 18.3 million travelers during Thanksgiving week—a 6% increase from 2023.

“The 10 busiest travel days in TSA's history have all occurred in 2024, and we anticipate that trend to continue,” says TSA Administrator David Pekoske.

Other ways to travel: Over 2 million Americans will travel by bus or train.

Whether by car, plane, train, or bus, travelers rely on a robust transportation network to ensure they can gather in the holiday spirit. This surge in travel highlights the enduring importance of family connections and American businesses’ efforts to guarantee safe travel this Thanksgiving.

Bottom Line

The Butterball Togetherness Report shows the average Thanksgiving gathering will include nine people this year—up from seven last year and the highest since 2020. Americans are prioritizing connection, and U.S. businesses across various industries are working to make those moments possible.

From farms to the dining rooms of millions of Americans, Thanksgiving is a revelry of community, resilience, and gratitude. Thanks to American businesses—whether farmers, local grocers, transportation services, or the millions of other businesses that contribute to Thanksgiving celebrations around the country—the holiday remains a celebration of togetherness and thankfulness.

This year, as we gather around the table, let’s give thanks not only for the food but also for the hands that help make Thanksgiving special.