Rebar speaks with Maine Public about Thanksgiving meal price
John Rebar, executive director of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, spoke with Maine Public for a report about how this year’s Thanksgiving meal will cost Americans less than it has for decades. However, the price decrease may not be noticed as much in Maine and Vermont, two places that pay significantly more for groceries than the national average, according to the report. “It’s not necessarily a great thing for farmers when the price of food gets real cheap,” Rebar said, adding it’s possible to set a table for a rock-bottom price, but with a burgeoning foodie and farmers market culture, he would be surprised if many Mainers didn’t pay more, the report states. “Meals like Thanksgiving are really values statements,” he said. “And that’s bleeding over into more than just a one event, one day. Many people want to shop local year round. People are willing to pay their local farmer a little bit more than they would maybe 20 or 30 years ago to get something that is local, is fresh, is of high quality.” Mainebiz also published an article on the topic, citing the Maine Public report.