Thanksgiving help in Central Oregon, deals and support
Tracee Tuesday
BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — For many Central Oregonians, the cost of Thanksgiving this year feels tougher despite some good news on food prices. Rising living expenses alongside reduced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are making it increasingly difficult for families to put a complete holiday meal on the table. More than 23,000 households in Central Oregon rely on SNAP for food assistance, and many face hard choices as benefits have been cut or delayed due to federal funding issues.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost to cook a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is about $55.18 in 2025, which is approximately $5.52 per person. This marks the third consecutive year of price declines, representing a 5% drop from last year’s cost. The centerpiece turkey has seen a significant price decrease, with a 16-pound frozen turkey averaging around $21.50 — down more than 16% from 2024. However, fresh turkey prices have risen slightly. Despite these declines, the current cost still does not erase the record-high increases seen in 2022 when the average meal cost $64.05.
Thanksgiving expenses extend beyond the dinner plate. Survey data from LendingTree shows that hosts in 2025 expect to spend an average of $487 on food, drinks, and decorations, which is up 13% compared to last year.
For those looking to save time and money, grocery stores such as Safeway/Albertsons and Fred Meyer are offering various options ranging from pre-cooked meals starting around $60 to do-it-yourself packages priced between $57 and $80. These convenient bundles include staples like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pies, and even wine at Fred Meyer.
Kristen Gillis from OnPoint Community Credit Union offers practical financial tips for families striving to manage Thanksgiving costs without relying on SNAP, “Shopping early and spreading out your purchases so you don’t just do it on one paycheck right away or last minute. Compare prices and use your loyalty programs. A lot of grocery stores have some kind of loyalty programs.” Gillis also said, “Bonus points – look at those. Reuse, repurpose, recycle, use old Thanksgiving decor; creating and tracking a budget, making sure that you are staying on track.”
Gillis also encourages families to reach out for local support resources early to alleviate financial pressure around the holidays.
Several Central Oregon organizations provide Thanksgiving meals and assistance for those in need, including: Shepherd’s House Ministries, NeighborImpact, St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, Nativity Lutheran Church, and PeaceHealth.
For general assistance, dialing 211 or texting a zip code to 898211 connects individuals to local resources and support networks. These options are crucial for many as SNAP benefits decrease and food affordability challenges persist with the holiday season near.
This combination of slowly declining food prices but rising overall holiday spending and SNAP reductions underscores the ongoing financial balancing act faced by Central Oregon families trying to celebrate Thanksgiving with dignity and gratitude. Local organizations and practical budgeting advice play a key role in helping ease the burden this year.