As we begin preparations for the annual Thanksgiving holiday meal with friends and family, I hope you will also keep in mind those who are facing tough times this season – not only for the holiday but also their daily food needs.
Local food pantries are expecting to see a dramatic increase in volume from individuals and families impacted by the temporary disruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the extended government shutdown.
This is over and above the already escalating needs our food pantries have reported as prices have increased, and more people move into Denton County.
According to the Tarrant Area Food Bank, more than 46,000 people in Denton County will be directly impacted by the SNAP-pause which went into effect Nov. 1.
Food pantries across Denton County are requesting monetary donations to assist in purchasing staples as well as protein for families going into the holiday season. Pantries can purchase additional items for much cheaper prices, which allows each donated amount to stretch further to feed families.
That is why the United Way of Denton County launched the Denton County Food Insecurity Relief Fund, which ended up raising $10,005 as an emergency response to the food insecurity crisis that impacted the country.
As Gary Henderson, United Way of Denton County President and CEO said, our collective role is to mobilize the giving spirit among all our residents to address immediate needs in our communities.
Struggling to put food on the table affects every aspect of a family’s life and no family should have to choose between healthy meals and monthly bills. Prior to the government shutdown, Feeding America reported that Denton County had a Food Insecurity Rate of 13.6%, which is over 146,000 people.
Corporate and individual donations were distributed to food insecurity 501(c)3 organizations serving Denton County residents, assisting them to meet this urgent need that, in many cases, has extended beyond the needs seen during the pandemic.
The Denton County Food Insecurity Relief Fund was active until the federal government reopened and SNAP benefits resume for eligible Denton County residents.
To learn more about United Way of Denton County and to help families with food needs, please visit UnitedWayDenton.org/DentonCountyFoodReliefFund.
Beyond the government shutdown, we should also consider donating to our local food pantries for the Christmas season and in 2026 as needs will continue even with the reinstatement of SNAP benefits.
Several local grocery stores are providing opportunities to buy complete Thanksgiving meals, including:
Aldi – Grocery retailer Aldi is offering a $40 Thanksgiving meal for 10 that includes a 14-pound turkey and nine side dishes.
Kroger – This season, Kroger is once again offering customers an affordable meal with zero-compromise on value, convenience or quality. Shop these long-held holiday favorites that will feed ten people all under $4.85 per person:
- Kroger Brand Whole Frozen Turkey (14-16 pounds)—as low as 49 cents per pound.
- Kroger Brand Turkey Stuffing
- Kroger Brand Chicken Broth
- Kroger Brand Super Sweet Corn
- Kroger Brand Baby Carrots
- Kroger Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
- Sweet Jewel Yams
- Kroger Brand Idaho Potatoes
- Campbell’s Turkey Gravy
- Kroger Brand French Sliced Green Beans
- Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Kroger Crispy French-Fried Onions
- Kroger Brand Brown and Serve Rolls
- Kroger Brand Traditional Ready-to-Bake Pie Crusts
- Kroger Brand 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin Puree
- Kroger Brand Original Whipped Topping
Walmart – Walmart recently announced the return of its beloved annual Thanksgiving meal, with its best offer yet. This incredible basket offers over 20 national and private brand items — including a Butterball turkey for $.97 per pound, its lowest price since 2019 — as a one-click basket serving 10 people for less than $40. It’s also offering free express delivery on the meal basket for first-time Pickup and Delivery customers.
Consider inviting a neighbor in need to your Thanksgiving meal, buy a few extra items on your shopping list to donate to local food pantries or check your favorite food pantry for items needed.
Whatever you choose to do, helping a family in need enjoy a holiday meal is the best way to give thanks to those who might need it the most and to show what it means to truly be thankful for the abundance many of us are fortunate enough to enjoy.
Connect With Us: Be sure to connect with Denton County on Facebook at facebook.com/DentonCountyTX and on X (formerly Twitter) @DentonCountyTX. You can also follow me at facebook.com/DentonCountyCommissionerBobbieMitchell. If you have any questions or comments, please let me hear from you. My email is [email protected] and my office number is 972-434-4780.
