Turkey prices climb nearly 40%, putting focus on National Leftovers Day
Turkey prices in the U.S. have climbed nearly 40 percent for the 2025 Thanksgiving season as avian influenza and other poultry diseases cut flocks and reduce supply. Producers plan to ship fewer birds, pushing more households to stretch holiday meals and observe National Leftovers Day as a cost-saving strategy. USDA and CDC guidelines stress safe handling, storage and reheating of leftovers as families rely on cooked turkey for multiple meals. ReFED data show household food waste carries a high national cost, making leftovers an important budget and food-waste issue.