A Target storefront in northern Virginia and a Thanksgiving turkey.

By Chris Spiker From Daily Voice

Target is the latest major chain to offer a budget-friendly Thanksgiving feast as food prices climb and as the chain's sales struggle throughout 2025.

The Minneapolis-based company announced its "under-$20" Thanksgiving deal on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The offer includes a 10-pound turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, bread, cranberry sauce, and frozen corn.

Target says the meal can feed a family of four for less than $5 per person.

"Our under-$20 Thanksgiving meal is priced even lower than last year's, but we're not stopping there," said Lisa Roath, chief merchandising officer of food, essentials, and beauty. "We also have new seasonal sides, stylish table décor, festive apparel, and beautiful greenery and florals."

Target also said it's keeping the price of its Good & Gather turkey steady at 79 cents per pound, matching 2024's cost. That's among the lowest retail prices on the market as turkey prices soar elsewhere, fueled by large bird flu outbreaks across the Midwest.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the average wholesale price of frozen turkeys is up more than 40% from 2024, reaching about $1.32 per pound in November. Purdue University analysts project retail prices could climb as high as $2.05 per pound, putting the average 15-pound bird at roughly $31.

Thanksgiving comes toward the end of a year marked by expensive grocery bills for many Americans. Nearly half of US households said in September that groceries are harder to afford than in 2024, according to a Harris/Axios poll.

Roughly 42 million low-income Americans are also dealing with uncertainty over Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown. A federal judge ordered the Trump administration on Thursday, Nov. 6, to make full SNAP payments in November after officials only agreed to funding partial benefits.

A person carving a Thanksgiving turkey.

A person carving a Thanksgiving turkey.

Unsplash - Claudio Schwarz

Target is entering a crowded battle for the Thanksgiving dinner table. 

Aldi and Walmart are promoting feasts for up to 10 people that cost about $40. Stop & Shop is also offering a similar deal for shoppers in New Jersey, New York, and southern New England.

Target is hoping that its Thanksgiving promo will turn around its sales slump.

The Minneapolis-based company's second-quarter total sales were down nearly 1% year-over-year and operating income was off by almost 20%. Same-store sales fell 3.2%, marking Target's longest slump in a decade.

Target's sliding sales have been fueled in part by backlash and boycotts against the retailer's moves to abandon diversity initiatives since President Donald Trump returned to office. The company has also faced rising costs from Trump's widespread tariffs and will end its Ulta Beauty partnership by 2026.

Target is expected to release its third-quarter earnings report on Wednesday, Nov. 19.