Summer cookouts cost nearly $3 more this holiday than last year

This year's summer cookouts are costing nearly $3 more per person compared to last year, largely due to a 4% price increase, which aligns closely with the current inflation rate, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual survey. This rise affects everything from meat to sides and snacks, impacting families planning their barbecues. As more people rely on backyard cookouts for gatherings, these small but noticeable price hikes can add up, making it essential to budget accordingly for those holiday feasts.