The National Retail Federation estimates the cost of Easter festivities this year will average $189 per person, with candy being the most-bought item. That price is up from $177 last year.
Egg prices are affecting that total, but consumers may finally begin to see some relief from record-high prices.
Egg prices nationwide were the highest-ever reported last month at $6.23, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Indiana, the average is a bit lower, but retail prices remain high despite decreases in wholesale prices.
The USDA found last week in a sample of grocery advertisements in the Midwest region about 2 percent of stores featured eggs in their sale catalog. The average for a dozen large white eggs at those stores was $2.99.
In the weeks leading up to Easter, more stores opted to feature items such as confetti or chocolate eggs.
From NPR: If eggs are too expensive, here are some Easter egg dyeing alternatives
A heads up for last-minute shoppers: Aldi, Target, Costco and Sam's Club will be closed on Easter. Kroger, Walmart and Fresh Thyme will be open.
Indiana bird flu slows down, but millions of hens still killed
The rate of bird flu cases — which have contributed to the record-high egg prices — appear to be slowing down nationally.
Indiana is still one of the worst-hit states.
Three egg-laying flocks in Indiana reported bird flu outbreaks in March, and more than 1.5 million hens were killed. That’s down from the 6.3 million killed in February.
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health reports over 8 million egg-laying hens have been killed across the state due to bird flu.
