How to save on a Thanksgiving meal

PARAGOULD, Ark. (KAIT) - Thanksgiving dinner can strain a family budget, but a Paragould food pantry owner says saving money doesn’t have to mean giving up favorite holiday traditions.

Denise Farmer, owner of God’s Blessings Pantry, recommends looking for sales and coupons and comparing store-brand products with name brands. She also suggests considering online shopping through Amazon. Farmer runs a food pantry in her backyard and is organizing a Thanksgiving meal drive to donate meals to several families. She also helps families budget for the holidays.

At her own table, Farmer took a closer look at which dishes her family most enjoys.

“Do your favorite Thanksgiving traditions that you really, really need to feel like Thanksgiving,” she said. “But other things that maybe aren’t stuff that are a favorite, just forego. Or scale back a little.”

For her family, that means serving corn instead of corn casserole. She also recommends making smaller portions, particularly if a meal usually leaves a lot of leftovers. For a smaller gathering, Farmer suggests considering a whole roasted chicken instead of a turkey.

“Also, don’t go to the store hungry,” Farmer said. “Go to the store hungry — you’re going to spend more. Even if it’s just for Thanksgiving meals, you’re going to spend more.”

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