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

This year's summer cookouts are costing nearly $3 more per person than they did last summer, driven by a 4% increase in prices that aligns closely with the current inflation rate, per the American Farm Bureau Federation's survey. This uptick affects everything from burgers and chicken to sides and desserts, signaling a broader trend in food prices that may impact household budgets. As people plan for family barbecues, this rise in costs could influence spending and perhaps lead to more frugal or alternative grilling options this summer.