Your Fourth of July cookout will cost you more this year, what you can do to save

Fireworks aren't the only thing blowing up this weekend. Food prices are sky high as many people get ready for their holiday weekend cookouts and BBQs.

Valley resident George Wilhelm's Fourth of July cookout will be looking a little different this year because of it.

"We really wanted to host the party and so you sacrifice a little bit to do it," said Wilhelm. "We chose to do sliders versus you know, steaks on the grill or something like that. So we chose to cut where we could."

The American Farm Bureau Federation reports the overall cost for the cookout is up 17% or about $10 from last year, a result of ongoing supply chain disruptions, inflation, and the war in Ukraine. The average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people is $69.68, which breaks down to less than $7 per person. The federation says that's the largest increase they've seen since they started tracking a decade ago.

Valley resident Renita Pine is simplifying her holiday celebration because of rising meat prices. 

"The prices for meat and stuff are really really high. It sucks," said Pine. "There's got to be more people than me that is complaining about the prices."

A recent survey from the federation shows the largest year-to-year price increase was for ground beef. The retail cost for two pounds of ground beef is more than $11.12 a 36% increase from last year.

"Buy something that's more bulk because you get a little bit cheaper price by buying the bulkier items," said Wilhelm.

Wells Fargo is offering tips to keep costs low at the register:

• Consider buying cheaper proteins like shrimp or pork.
• Swap the more expensive ice cream with non-dairy deserts like popsicles.
• Be on the lookout for specials.

"You don't have to use the one with name brand because that's the only thing you paying for the name brand," said Pine.

While some people will cut back on the holiday celebration, others are trying to make the most of it.

"Why not pay a little more for food and have friends and people over and have fun at your house?" said Wilhelm.