Tips for a budget-friendly Thanksgiving feast

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This article was published 06/10/2023 (870 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, Canadians eagerly anticipate Thanksgiving, a time for family gatherings and feasting.

With the cost of travel and groceries remaining high, experts have advised many not to break the bank but be concerned about the financial strain of travelling and hosting a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

“Apart from the actual cost of food, I think travel expenses are quite relevant, as Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together,” Brandon University geography professor Derrek Eberts told the Sun. “While many food items may be on sale, and therefore still relatively affordable, gas and other travel expenses do not tend to go down around holidays, but rather the opposite.”

Eberts said that family gatherings will almost certainly be more expensive for those who don’t live in the same town or city as their parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

He also stresses the importance of considering the most vulnerable in the community.

“I would also suggest you reach out to local charities who provide Thanksgiving meals to local homeless or low-income residents,” Eberts added. “Our community’s most disadvantaged populations will most disproportionately be impacted by higher food costs.”

While this is true all of the time, the professor explained that it is especially difficult at times like Thanksgiving when Canadians like to come together for a special meal. For some, he believed this would potentially translate into heightened feelings of anxiety, distress, or other forms of depression.

But financial analyst Wale Adeniji recommended initiating Thanksgiving preparations by establishing a dinner budget that aligns with one’s financial comfort.

“Start your Thanksgiving prep by deciding how much you can spend comfortably on dinner,” Adeniji told the Sun. “Remember, this is one night of the year, and you still need to eat on the days of the year. So, try to make sure your budget is reasonable, and you can stick to it.”

Adeniji tasked Canadians to remember that a memorable Thanksgiving meal doesn’t have to break the bank, adding that they should consider alternatives like encouraging friends to bring their dishes to share.

Food blogger Kemi Omole, known for her budget-friendly recipes, also advised people to research cost-effective meal ideas ahead of Thanksgiving Day.

“A quick Google search for ‘Thanksgiving dinner on a budget’ yields numerous pages of delicious recipes,” Omole said. “There are also great substitution ideas if your normal favourites are no longer within your means, such as serving roast chicken in place of turkey.”

For those seeking fresh and affordable ingredients, she advises shopping for in-season produce.

“In-season fruits and vegetables that are readily available to Canadians in October include apples, cranberries, and pumpkins,” she said. “Many of these foods are part of traditional Thanksgiving dishes, and you really can’t go wrong with the classics.”

Omole said that making a shopping list helps shoppers to stay on budget.

“Shopping without a grocery list is a little like shopping hungry — you’re likely to get swept up in all the strategically placed foods and spend more than you intend, especially when you go with your credit card,” she said. “Everything needed for the holiday meal should be in white and black. That is not all. You must be willing to strike some items out when you realize that the price of such item has increased.”

Given that October is Canada’s Small Business Month, Adeniji added that supporting local businesses is not a bad idea. How?

“Buying in-season produce supports local farmers, which is especially apt during this month,” he said. “Plus, you’re being more environmentally friendly. Your food doesn’t have to travel very far, thereby cutting down on pollution.”

Nutritionist Samantha Anthony also tasked Canadians not to overlook the value of Thanksgiving leftovers, as she recommended planning ahead for ways to use them creatively.

“Cranberries and other fruits can be baked into muffins, scones, and breads,” Anthony told the Sun. “Mashed potatoes can be transformed into potato pancakes or shepherd’s pie. Get creative with spices and herbs to give your food a new life!”

She explained that surplus mashed potatoes can also be transformed into delectable savoury waffles, perfect for a distinctive and mouthwatering breakfast or brunch the next day.

“Combine your mashed potatoes with flour, eggs and a dash of baking powder. Pour the mixture into a waffle iron that has been preheated and cook until the waffles attain a delightful crispiness and a golden hue. Elevate the experience by garnishing the waffles with options like sour cream, chives or smoked salmon for a truly delightful dining experience,” she added.

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