Turkey crisis? Higher prices? What’s the order deadline at Publix, Sedano’s, Whole Foods?

There will be plenty of turkey to pass around the table this Thanksgiving. But it’ll cost you.

In South Florida and across the country, inflation and bird flu are taking a toll. So be ready to fork over more money for your raw bird or fully cooked supermarket meal as you make your shopping list and plan your holiday menu.

An outbreak of avian influenza has killed more than 49 million birds, said Bernt Nelson, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation. And market forces are raising prices, too.

“Turkey prices are running around $1.80 a pound for that 8-16 pound basted frozen turkey that you would see on on your Thanksgiving centerpiece,” Nelson said. “If you’ve looked at some of the more specialized items, such as skinless, boneless Tom turkey breasts, for example, that’s seen an increase around 112%, so we’ve seen prices go for around $3.13 a pound in 2021 up to record prices of $6.70 a pound this year in 2022.”

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So far, the 2022 bird flu outbreak has led to the loss of 7.15 million turkeys this year, as of Oct. 7, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s October outlook report. Bird flu is lethal to chickens and turkeys. The birds either die from the illness or are killed if they’re part of an infected flock to control the outbreak.

But while the U.S. is approaching a record number of affected wild birds and poultry compared to previous bird flu outbreaks, turkey producers say they’ve been able to produce enough turkey for Thanksgiving.

“Anybody who’s looking for a turkey product is going to be able to find one,” said Beth Breeding, a spokesperson for the National Turkey Federation.

“It has been a very difficult year for turkey farmers. ... Planning for Thanksgiving doesn’t start in October-November,” she said. “They’ve been working all year long to make sure that there are turkeys on the table for Thanksgiving.”

Butterball spokesperson Christa Leupen said less than 1% of the company’s production was affected by avian influenza, and that it expects to have a variety of fresh and frozen whole turkeys available for the holiday.

That doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to order your turkey. Breeding, Nelson and Leupen say people should plan ahead and put their orders in early, especially if they’re looking for deals.

“A lot of grocery stores in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving offer turkey at very attractive prices, whether through a discount or a special deal so consumers who are going to shop for their holiday turkey should definitely look for those and that will help with the price,” Breeding said.

She recommends a pound to a pound and a half of turkey per person. And in case you’re worried, Breeding said none of the turkeys that make it to your plate were infected or exposed to the bird flu.

“There is no concern about a food safety risk from avian influenza,” Breeding said.

If want to bypass a raw frozen bird and all that cooking, supermarkets sell fully cooked Thanksgiving meals that will just need reheating. Expect to pay more for fully cooked meals, of course, but you can still be a savvy shopper.

Here’s a look at how much your Turkey Day meal will cost at your local supermarket, and the last day to place your order:

Publix Thanksgiving dinner

Turkey and side dishes are available as part of a fully cooked dinner bundle, although it will require heating. Publix spokeswoman Lindsey Willis said the turkey and side dishes will also be sold individually, which is great if you are doing a smaller gathering this year. You can see what holiday dishes are available at publix.com in the “Thanksgiving meals” tab.

How much do meals cost? A turkey dinner bundle for 2-4 people costs $39.99, a dinner bundle for 7-10 people costs $64.99 or $69.99, depending on whether you get the one with a Butterball turkey or, and a dinner bundle for 14-18 people costs $124.99, according to Publix.

Do I need to make an order? Publix said turkey and side dishes will be available at the store’s self-service section leading up to Thanksgiving, while supplies last. If you really want to eat turkey, it’s best to place an order. And remember, Publix won’t be open on Thanksgiving Day.

Is there delivery? Publix said some deli dinners and individual items will be available via Instacart.

How to order: Order online by Nov. 21. Customers can also order in person or by phone through Nov. 23 while supplies last, Willis said. But to be safe, put your order in by Nov. 21.

Winn-Dixie and Fresco y Más Thanksgiving dinner

Both Winn-Dixie and Fresco y Más are offering fully cooked turkey dinner specials that will require heating. For people planning to have a smaller gathering this year, the deli hot bars will have ready-to-eat food available by the pound.

For those who don’t want turkey, both stores are also offering a spiral ham dinner. Fresco y Más also has a roasted pork shoulder dinner special. All three meal options serve 6-8 people. For people who like to use their Caja China during the holidays, Fresco y Más stores will also be selling whole pigs in the meat department.

How much do meals cost? At Winn-Dixie, the turkey and ham meal options each cost $79.99. At Fresco y Más, both meals are $79.98. Fresco’s pork shoulder meal costs $69.98. For the whole pig, contact your local Fresco y Más store for details.

Do I need to make an order? Orders are required for the dinner specials. The deadline to place an order is Nov.21. For deli items, orders are not required, but keep in mind that Winn-Dixie and Fresco y Más stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24.

Is there delivery? You can buy groceries for delivery through Winn-Dixie and Fresco y Más websites and apps. However, the pre-ordered deluxe turkey and ham dinners are not available for delivery and must be picked up from the deli.

How to order: Place orders at the store or over the phone 48 hours in advance for the deluxe dinner specials. For more information on the meals and to download an order form, visit winndixie.com and frescoymas.com

Sedano’s Thanksgiving meals

Sedano’s said it will have various holiday meal options available, and while menus are made for 10 people, they can be altered to accommodate customers that have larger or smaller gatherings. The store will also have Thanksgiving meals available by the pound at the hot “Grab and Go” and “Heat and Eat” sections.

▪ How much does it cost? Sedano’s spokesperson Adriana Fuentes said customers should expect holiday meals to range from $89.99 to $129.99, for up to 15 people.

▪ Do I need to make an order? Sedano’s doesn’t have a set deadline for the last day to order turkey and side dishes, but recommends people place an order at least three days in advance of the holiday. That means you should put in an order by Nov. 21. Each location can accommodate a certain number of orders, so if you want a holiday meal, order as soon as possible.

▪ How to order: You can place an order at the hot food department or customer service counter.

An Aldi Thanksgiving

For bargain hunters who plan to cook at home and are worried about rising prices due to inflation, Aldi might be the place to go for your Thanksgiving meal, including appetizers, desserts, sides and beverages.

Aldi said it’s selling turkey, uncooked, for $1.07/lb at its stores on a first-come, first served basis.

The grocery chain also announced that it’s selling dozens of Thanksgiving favorites, including cornbread stuffing, prosciutto, and apple pie, at 2019 prices to help shoppers struggling through food price increases. (Look for the red “Thanksgiving Price Rewind” icon while shopping.)

The special will last through Nov. 29, with the supermarket also announcing that it’s discounting dozens of other “grocery top-sellers and staples through the end of the year” to help with rising costs. Many Aldi stores offer grocery delivery via Instacart.

Keep in mind Aldi stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Whole Foods Thanksgiving dinner

Anyone who has an Amazon Prime membership may want to look at Whole Foods before checking out the competition. Remember, Amazon Prime members get access to discounts and get an extra 10% off sale prices (except alcohol).

The grocery chain has turkeys that are Animal Welfare Certified, along with a variety of prepared meals, including seafood and vegan options. The company says all of its meals are fully cooked and would require reheating.

Another reason to consider Whole Foods: The website states anyone who orders and picks up a holiday meal will get a coupon for 20% off a January or February catering order, which could be a good deal if you’re planning to host a party in 2023.

How much does it cost? Turkey meals vary in price. A classic whole roast turkey meal for four costs $109.99, for example, while an organic whole roast turkey meal for four costs $139.99, according to Whole Foods. The most expensive meal is an organic whole roast turkey meal for 12 at $349.99.

What about delivery? No delivery this year. “Meals, turkeys, sides, appetizers, platters and desserts reserved online and through our Holiday Table can only be picked up in the store ... Please note that stores which normally deliver catering do not deliver holiday meals,” according to the Whole Foods FAQ page.

How to order? Holiday meals, turkeys, sides, appetizers, platters and desserts can be ordered online at shop.wfm.com , or by phone at 844-936-2428. Your order must be placed at least 48 hours ahead of your desired pickup day and time. The last day to place your order for in-store pickup is Nov. 22. Some Whole Foods stores may be open on Thanksgiving Day, so check your store for hours.

The Fresh Market turkey deals

Whether you’re looking to have a Thanksgiving feast for two or a gathering of more than a dozen people filled with turkey, lamb, ham, stuffing and dessert, Fresh Market might have what you’re looking for. The store will sell a variety of holiday meals, with options to buy everything individually, including a fully cooked whole turkey that would just need reheating.

All Fresh Market locations in South Florida will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

How much does it cost? A turkey breast or ham meal with side dishes that serves 3-5 people costs $69.99. A fully cooked turkey or ham meal with side dishes that serves 8-10 people costs $99.99. And a fully cooked turkey meal with sides for 12-14 people costs $179.99.

Do I need to make an order? While not required, it’s a good idea to order ahead if you’re hosting a party. You can also just walk in to your nearest Fresh Market to buy fully cooked turkeys and sides that would just need reheating. Fresh Market will also be selling ham, standing rib roast and lobster tails. However, keep in mind that you might not find everything you want if you wait until the last minute.

Is there delivery? There is no delivery or curbside pickup options for special order Thanksgiving meals.

How to order? You can place an order online or at the store. The last day to place an order is 2 p.m. Nov. 21.