Tips for an easier Thanksgiving

There is nothing that will change the day-of craziness that comes with Thanksgiving, even if you celebrate the next day and especially if you work on Thanksgiving! But if you plan, use your UFCW 227 member discounts, and make food ahead you can have a lot more savings and a lot less stress! 

If you don’t already, right now might be the perfect time to start shopping with coupons. We all know 2022’s Thanksgiving meal is going to cost you more than it has in the past. Luckily for UFCW 227 members you’ve got some extra tools in your toolbelt with special grocery coupons on both UFCW/LifeMart and Union Plus/Abenity

You can click here to see the grocery coupons on UnionPlus.org or use the app and search “Grocery Coupons”. New coupons are added regularly as others expire, but right now there is $134.75 in savings waiting for you! 

UFCW benefits through LifeMart also offer grocery coupons. You can sign up for your free Lifemart membership, and start saving today! 

Now to food! Sure you’ll have to cook something on the day you celebrate Thanksgiving, but some dishes you can make the day before and others you can freeze for more than a month. Check out what tops the list for make-ahead Thanksgiving foods below! 

Stuffing- you can assemble the day before or the week before and freeze. Then you’ll either thaw and bake or just bake on Turkey Day.

Mashed Potatoes- are so simple to make but they do take some gear. You shouldn’t spend what should be family time mashing steaming hot potatoes, instead make your mashed potatoes up to a month in advance and freeze them, then you just have to thaw and warm to serve.

Casseroles- most can be assembled 2 days in advance and baked when the turkey comes out to rest. They will be ready in time for dinner.

Cold Sides and Salads- not only can you save time with these but oven space too. Don’t cover any greens with dressing just yet, but chop most vegetables, cheeses, and portion toppings a few days before so all you’ll need to do on the big day is assemble and serve! 

There are almost endless ways to save with Union Plus or UFCW/Lifemart, while you are checking out these offers search for other things you can use this fall like flower arrangements, sending sweet gifts, and kicking back at the movies!  

Our UFCW 227 family represents so many industries that people rely on during the holiday season, you will not get the thanks you deserve but we see and appreciate what our fellow members do everyday. We hope you enjoyed these tips and they help you celebrate.   

Kristah Barnette