Thanksgiving meal costs slightly decreases from last year; food insecurity issues still remain

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – The Thanksgiving holiday is fast approaching, and families are preparing for an expensive meal. According to a Wells Fargo analysis, a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people will cost about $79—down 0.4% from last year.

But community groups in Marquette County, including the United Way and Community Action Alger-Marquette, say they continue to see rising food insecurity. Andrew Rickauer, Executive Director of the United Way of Marquette County, shares the latest statistics on families struggling financially.

“For Marquette County, the ALICE population is 43%, and ALICE is Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed. These are the working-class families that are making those rations; we’ve seen a huge increase in the need across the board,” Rickauer said.

Gretchen Paavola oversees community nutrition management for Community Action Alger-Marquette. She says they’re looking for more drivers for their ‘Meals on Wheels’ program due to an increase in seniors using that program.

“We’ve had an influx of the Meals on Wheels inquiries for the home-delivered meal program, and that’s simply because a lot of their SNAP benefits have been cut recently and that’s obviously been a very difficult thing for them to manage,” Paavola said.

Rickauer reminds the public that food insecurity extends beyond the holiday season.

“Food insecurity doesn’t happen just on Thanksgiving or Christmas, and it doesn’t happen just on Tuesdays or Fridays; it’s every day, throughout the day,” Rickauer said.

You can help feed a hungry neighbor and support food pantries across Upper Michigan; the TV6 Canathon is underway. You can donate online at the TV6 Canathon website or donate non-perishable food items at drop-off locations across the Upper Peninsula.

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