A Thanksgiving Table Reimagined

Across Illinois, the spirit of Thanksgiving is alive—not in the form of a golden turkey, but in the warmth of community and creativity. With rising food costs and reduced SNAP benefits, many families are turning to local food pantries for support. But this year, turkeys are scarce, and vouchers for meat alternatives are few. 

Still, hope simmers in the kitchen. 

Illinois Extension is here to help rethink your holiday plate with some filling and tasty alternatives. Three Sisters Soup—a hearty, plant-forward recipe rooted in Native American heritage, makes a delicious and affordable addition to your Thanksgiving menu. Ground turkey, when available, becomes the base for comforting dishes like turkey meatloaf (with a twist of grated carrots and herbs) or a cozy ground turkey chili. For those following plant-based diets, stuffed acorn squash is a savory and filling main dish. 

Even cranberries get a makeover: chopped into meatloaf for a tangy surprise or floated in a fizzy cranberry seltzer made with cranberry juice and soda water—they are cheerful, refreshing, and budget-friendly. 

This Thanksgiving, the menu may look different, but the message is the same: nourishment, togetherness, and gratitude.

 Here are more tips to help make this Thanksgiving more affordable. 

Main Dish Alternatives 

• Roast Chicken or Turkey Breast – Smaller cuts cost much less than a full turkey but still give you that traditional flavor. Season simply with herbs, butter, and garlic, or try Fried Chicken: go.illinois.edu/FriedChicken
• Stuffed Acorn or Butternut Squash – Try a beautiful, hearty main dish made with squash, ground turkey, and red bell pepper: go.illinois.edu/StuffedSquash
• Turkey Meatloaf – Uses ground turkey, stretches farther, and cooks faster. Add additional diced veggies for color and seasonings to suit your taste: go.illinois.edu/turkeymeatloaf
• Three Sisters Soup - Uses beans, corn, and squash: go.illinois.edu/3SistersSoup 

Budget-Friendly Sides: 

• Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes – Inexpensive, filling, and classic. Add roasted garlic or a little butter for richness.
• Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, onions, and seasonal root veggies are affordable and delicious, especially when roasted with olive oil and herbs.
• Cranberry Relish – Blend fresh or frozen cranberries with orange juice, and sugar—simple and fresh. 

Simple, Inexpensive Desserts 

• Pumpkin Pie – Try this easy, no-bake recipe: go.illinois.edu/NoBakePie
• Apple Crisp – Uses basic pantry ingredients and easy to scale up for a group: go.illinois.edu/AppleCrisp 

Money-Saving Tips 

• Buy seasonal produce — sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, and cabbage are on sale this time of year.
• Use store brands for staples like broth, butter, and flour.
• Plan a potluck — invite guests to bring one dish each to share the cost.
• Skip extras — you don’t need 10 sides; 3–4 solid dishes make a satisfying meal.