•October 21, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Putting a traditional Thanksgiving meal on the table can add another expense to a household budget already stretched by rent, utilities, groceries and other necessities.

The C.E.F.S. Moultrie County Outreach Office works to ease some of that pressure each year by providing Thanksgiving meals to individuals and families who regularly use its food pantry.

“Providing a Thanksgiving meal means giving families one less thing to worry about during an already stressful time of year,” Moultrie County Outreach Coordinator Crystal Edwards said. “Many of the people we serve are working hard and doing everything they can to make ends meet, but when you’re trying to cover rent, utilities, groceries, and other everyday expenses, a holiday meal can be difficult to afford.”

Last year, the program provided 275 Thanksgiving meals — 100 turkeys with ingredients and 175 premade meals. Edwards said C.E.F.S. expects participation to remain at about the same level this year.

How those meals are provided depends on household size. Households of one or two people are offered a prepared Thanksgiving meal purchased from a local restaurant and distributed a few days before Thanksgiving. Families of three or more are offered a turkey and traditional side items to prepare their meal at home.

In previous years, C.E.F.S. provided turkeys and side items to all participating households. Increasing financial costs and the physical demands of purchasing and distributing the groceries eventually led the organization to change its approach for smaller households.

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