By Patrice Powers-Barker, OSU Extension, Lucas County
The Truth Contributor
While many of us are aware of the higher cost of food and grocery items, it can still be surprising when the shopping bill is added up. With the end of the year celebrations and holidays around the corner, many people are concerned about food costs, particularly when there are more people gathered at the dinner table.
Being realistic about costs (even if we’re not happy about them), can help with planning. The good news is that we can all take some steps to be intentional about meal plans, costs and decisions that best meet our financial realities as well as our hopes for a happy holiday gathering. Some of the following suggestions are from Nebraska Extension, Tips for Low-Cost Holiday Meals.
Get others involved. First, ask what foods on the menu are most important to people. Is there one dish or side that they would really miss if it were not on the holiday table? This can be one way to prioritize what foods and dishes to make and might indicate which ones can stay off the list of required dishes. Also, if others offer to bring something, take them up on it. Even if others don’t think to offer, there is nothing wrong with asking everyone to bring something to add to large gatherings. That helps minimize the cost and time for everyone compared to asking one person or household to cover it. In addition to helping with food, others can help with the workload such as setting the table or helping with clean up.
Plan your menu carefully. Once you’ve divided some food and tasks with others, check what food and ingredients you already have and then make your shopping list. Check online and paper advertisements to price out the food items.
Compare Costs. A whole turkey is less expensive per serving than a turkey breast. Lean roast beef, pork loin and some types of fish, such as cod or flounder are lower cost options. Consider serving soup or a casserole that can extend your protein dollar. Compare the cost of frozen, fresh, or canned fruits and vegetables when deciding on recipes. Buy produce from local growers.
Prepare simple recipes. Sometimes serving dishes with less ingredients can be healthier as well as save time and money. For example, a recipe for Lemony Green Beans might be a tasty alternative for a green bean casserole and have fewer high-cost ingredients.
Shop Smart. Beware of store displays that are designed to tempt you to buy things you didn’t plan on purchasing. Using unit pricing to help compare different brands and different sizes of products can help you save money. Only buy what you’ll use. Even if the larger container is a better price per unit, if you won’t use it all, it’s not the best buy.
Make it from scratch and cook it ahead of time. Instead of purchasing some of the more expensive convenience items, many of your dishes can be prepared or partially prepared a day or two in advance like washing, chopping and prepping vegetables like onions and celery to use in side dishes like stuffing, fresh salads, etc.
Decide on drinks. Many drinks like pop, energy or sports drinks can be expensive and contain a lot of added sugar. Water is easy on the wallet and people typically will drink less of the other beverages if they can use water to quench their thirst.
Make more than one meal. Handle leftovers safely so that they can be used for meals in the days ahead. Leftovers should be stored within two hours of cooking. Divide leftovers into smaller portions and refrigerate in shallow covered containers so they cool quickly. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Don’t forget food safety. The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is staffed by food safety specialists who can answer questions about safely handling meat, poultry, and egg products. The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time and is even open on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Contact the hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov.
Enjoy the food and the time together. While food and nourishment is an important part of holiday gatherings and celebrations, eating is not the only thing to do together. Enjoy the food but also enjoy the company by planning for activities like watching favorite movies, sports games, taking a short walk, playing card games, listing gratitude at Thanksgiving and favorite highlights of 2026 during winter and New Year’s gatherings.