PARAGOULD, Ark. — Many families feel the financial pinch when preparing for Thanksgiving, but Denise Farmer, owner of God’s Blessings Pantry in Paragould, says it’s possible to save money without sacrificing the holiday spirit.
Farmer, who operates a food pantry in her backyard and helps families plan holiday budgets, shared practical tips for cutting costs while maintaining beloved traditions. She suggests shoppers look for sales, use coupons, and compare store-brand products with name brands. Online shopping through platforms like Amazon can also offer savings, she noted.
When planning her own Thanksgiving, Farmer takes time to evaluate which dishes her family values most. "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."
To stretch her dollars, Farmer typically swaps out less essential dishes with simpler alternatives. For her family, serving corn instead of corn casserole cuts costs without significantly changing the meal. She also prepares smaller portions, which avoids excessive leftovers and reduces waste.
For those hosting smaller gatherings, Farmer recommends considering a roasted chicken as a budget-friendly alternative to a traditional turkey.
Another piece of advice: "Don’t go to the store hungry," she 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."
In addition to preparing her own holiday meal, Farmer is organizing a Thanksgiving meal drive to donate food to families in need. Her efforts aim to ensure everyone can experience the joy of Thanksgiving while staying within their budget.