Supermarkets in Ohio slash prices of turkeys

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio supermarkets are slashing prices for turkeys in hopes shoppers will fill their carts with other Thanksgiving items, which are more expensive this year.

In central Ohio — a very competitive market for food stores — chains including Kroger and Giant Eagle are selling turkeys 18 pounds or larger for a mouthwatering 29 cents a pound.

Ohio Grocers Association president Tom Jackson calls that an unbelievable price during unbelievable times. Before Thanksgiving of last year, turkeys were averaging 36 cents a pound.

Wholesale prices for turkeys are actually up as much as 7 cents a pound from last year, but stores are using the birds as a lure and shoppers should not expect bargains elsewhere. White potatoes, for example, cost 35 percent more than last year.