By Blake Jackson
Missourians can expect affordable food costs for their Fourth of July celebrations, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 Summer Cookout Cost Survey. The report found that a cookout for 10 people costs $73.82 nationally ($7.38 per person), while Missouri’s average is lower at $71.75 ($7.18 per person)—about $2.07 less than the national average.
The survey included a range of staple cookout foods such as meats, dairy products, snacks, and side dishes. While overall costs remain reasonable, some price changes stood out compared to last year. Potato salad saw the largest decrease, dropping nearly 18%, while strawberries increased by 12% and pork & beans rose by almost 14%, reflecting shifts in supply and demand.
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins highlighted the value of local agriculture, stating, “Missourians can still gather around the grill this Independence Day without breaking the family budget. While prices are higher compared to a few years ago, our state’s average cookout cost comes in below the national average and right in line with the Midwest.”
The Midwest region overall also reported lower costs, averaging $71.45 for 10 people ($7.15 per person), reinforcing the region’s affordability and the role of farmers in maintaining a stable food supply.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fatcamera
Categories: Missouri, General