Cammie Wilks, Campus Carrier features editor
Bella Patton, Campus Carrier asst. feature editor
Throughout the busy semester, students often look forward to Thanksgiving. This holiday gives everyone a break so students can travel home and spend time with their loved ones, watch football games and catch up. However, the most famous Thanksgiving tradition is the meal associated with the holiday. Families across the U.S. normally eat meals including turkey, mashed potatoes and other delicious foods every year. These dishes can be expensive, but budget friendly alternatives can make Thanksgiving meals more affordable.
The recent government shutdown forced many U.S. citizens to go without Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which has created a lot of uncertainty for those trying to afford the iconic Thanksgiving meal. The exact cost per family varies due to how most celebrate the holiday differently; however, according to Rebecca Firkser from the Food52 website, meals can range from $49 all the way to $475 depending on the host and how many people are attending. This year, especially with the recent cut in federal funding benefits, Thanksgiving could look a little different. Finding ways to make the same Thanksgiving dishes on a budget can be a great way for students to still connect with loved ones over the dinner table.
Stores like Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar have budget friendly options for Thanksgiving dinner. These places provide less expensive alternatives for family meals.
Side dishes are easy to find at local stores such as Dollar Tree, Family Dollar or Dollar General. According to Laura Beck writing for America Online (AOL), Dollar Tree has Idahoan instant mashed potatoes that can be purchased for $1.50. Students and their families can follow the directions on the back and have a dish that rivals homemade mashed potatoes. Beck also lists canned green beans, which can be purchased for approximately $1.25. Requiring little preparation, they are one of the easiest side dishes to add to a Thanksgiving dinner. Just heat them, season and serve.
In contrast, turkey stuffing could seem like one of the most difficult side dishes to make on a budget. However, buying box stuffing for around $1.25 makes this dish possible as a budget-friendly dinner. Students can save more by using turkey broth from a canned turkey instead of butter to flavor the stuffing. Not only does this trick help with budgeting, but it keeps the stuffing moist while still having the classic Thanksgiving turkey flavor.
The most iconic Thanksgiving food is the turkey. Unfortunately, it can often be one of the most expensive foods on the Thanksgiving menu. Since they are normally sold by the pound, a typical 15-pound turkey at Walmart can cost between $15 to $40 depending on its quality and cook type. However, budget-friendly stores offer great alternatives. Two canned turkeys paired with two cans of turkey gravy mix usually costs between $4 to $5. Drain the turkey broth from the can and add the gravy mix to complete the classic centerpiece of most Thanksgiving dinners.
If turkey is unavailable, chicken can serve as a budget friendly alternative. Canned chicken can be paired with the turkey gravy mix in the same way. Certain cuts of chicken can also work as a substitute. A tray of chicken leg quarters, typically the cheapest cut of chicken, cost about $5.87 at Walmart, which equates to $1.38 per pound. Additionally, chilled rotisserie chicken is a good substitute for turkey and cost only $3.97.
Dessert at Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect end to the holiday meal. Ingredients to make desserts can be elaborate and expensive, but stores such as Dollar Tree and Walmart have budget-friendly options. A popular Thanksgiving dessert is apple pie, and students and their families can make a no-bake, cheaper option at their table this year. To start, crush granola bars and mix them with oil, butter or margarine rather than buying expensive pie crusts. Shape the crushed pieces into a crust shape and use heated canned apple pie filling inside. Then, top with extra granola crumble. According to Beck, this budget friendly dessert comes out to be between $4 to $5.
The Ladd Center has many options for students to receive food if they need it.
Hours are between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Around the country, there are many food banks and canned food drives that anyone can go to if they need to. Berry is no exception to this. If students ever find themselves needing food that they cannot afford, Berry has a food pantry located in the Ladd Center that is restocked frequently. This food bank offers food donated from Aramark and different Berry-affiliated groups and clubs for the purpose of supporting students. This resource is free and available for everyone. In years past, the pantry has even prepared plates of Thanksgiving food for students to pick up if they cannot afford the meal themselves.
“The pantry is a valuable resource for students with any food insecurities,” Certified Medical Assistant Rebecca Hensley, who assists with the food pantry, said. “The food pantry is private so that students might come more often and not be embarrassed about using this resource.”
Additionally, Interim Dean of Students Michael McElveen and Associate Dean of Students Lindsey Norman are offering a free dinner this year to students staying at Berry during Thanksgiving break. Students who will be staying on campus for Thanksgiving can sign up to receive a meal.
Thanksgiving may look different for students and their families this year, but everyone deserves to enjoy the holiday during their break. These meal options give students the opportunity to still have the classic Thanksgiving meal without having to splurge on expensive ingredients. As they look forward to Thanksgiving break, they can worry less about Thanksgiving meal expenses and focus on being grateful for what they have with their families.