Majority of Thanksgiving Cooks Take 6-8 Hours to Prepare the Holiday Meal According to Market Day Survey

If the cook for your Thanksgiving meal looks a little tired, it's because he or she put in a lot of time in the kitchen. According to a Market Day survey, 53 percent of Thanksgiving cooks put in 6-8 hours to prepare the holiday meal; 30 percent put in 3-5 hours; it takes 24 percent more than 8 hours; and three percent complete the meal in less than three hours. The results were based on an online survey of more than 500 respondents. Despite the long hours required to prepare the Thanksgiving meal, 53 percent of cooks have been hosting their meals in their homes for more than 10 years, with 18 percent hosting for 5-9 years.

That's not to say that a little help isn't welcome. Some 47 respondents are asking guests to bring desserts; 43 percent are requesting side dishes; and 20 percent are being asked to bring beverages or appetizers.

While the current economy would seem to influence shopping decisions, 70 percent of respondents will be spending the same amount as last year, and 23 percent will actually be spending more. Only seven percent indicated they will be spending less this year on the Thanksgiving meal.

Cooks get their menu inspirations from a variety of sources, but the tried and true still reign. About 83 percent of respondents will be drawing most of their inspiration from family recipes, but other sources will also be tapped (multiple choices were permitted): cookbooks (38 percent); newspapers/magazines (28 percent); websites (25 percent); food company recipes (13 percent). But originality can't be dismissed since 27 percent of cooks will be “winging it” with their own creations.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Market Day has conducted its Thanksgiving survey.

About Market Day

Market Day, the Original Fundraising Food Cooperative®, is the nation's largest food fundraising company. In addition to its flagship monthly food program, Market Day offers a variety of other fundraising options including a gift brochure, restaurant-quality desserts and cookie dough, and a gourmet food catalog. Market Day provides high quality items at a value. Market Day's consultative approach provides custom fundraising solutions for organizations across the country. For information, visit marketday.com.