COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCIV) — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging residents to focus on healthy eating, stretching food dollars, and finding community support this Thanksgiving season.
“Healthy eating isn’t just about what’s on your plate; It’s also about access to healthy food and creative ways to prepare it,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director. “We want South Carolinians to know that there are local programs, meal sites, and other options that can help make healthy, affordable meals possible this Thanksgiving and beyond.”
DPH emphasized finding help if you’re not sure where your next meal is coming from by visiting your local food pantry or community food distribution site to access fresh produce, canned goods, and staples. Seniors are encouraged to contact their local Area Agency on Aging to find a senior center or community organization offering free or low-cost congregate dining programs.
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To have a healthier, budget-friendly Thanksgiving, DPH offered the following tips:
- Shop Smart: Build your meal around low-cost, nutrient-rich foods such as beans, lentils, brown rice, frozen vegetables, and seasonal produce like sweet potatoes or collard greens.
- Stretch Ingredients: Turn one main dish into multiple meals. For example, roast a whole chicken instead of a turkey. It’s smaller, less expensive, and perfect for leftovers like soups or sandwiches.
- Cook in Community: If possible, cook and share dishes with friends or neighbors to reduce costs.
- Lighten Up Recipes: Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, lower-cost alternative, use canned fruit in juice instead of syrup for desserts, try applesauce or mashed bananas in place of butter or oil in baking, or choose lower-sodium canned goods and rinse them before using to reduce salt intake.
DPH said that staying active and involved is crucial to supporting physical and emotional health, too. The department encourages taking a neighborhood walk, joining a community exercise class, or volunteering.
“This Thanksgiving, DPH encourages everyone to focus on what’s within reach: a shared meal, a warm conversation, a moment of gratitude, or a simple healthy choice. Every small step counts toward a stronger, healthier community,” the department said. “DPH wishes a harvest of comfort, good health, and good times this Thanksgiving!”