By: Emma Manhire 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – As Thanksgiving day approaches the country, and with a recent government shutdown affecting certain benefits for thousands of people, some may be searching for ways to afford their holiday feast. 

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) SUSPENDED DURING UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

On the afternoon of October 24, 2025, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a statement “notifying states that November 2025 SNAP benefit allotments will be suspended until sufficient federal funding is provided or other direction is given.” That affect went into place on Nov. 1, 2025.  

On Nov. 5, 2025, CNN Newsource posted an article stating this government shutdown was not only the longest in the U.S. history, but it is also likely the most damaging.

According to CNN Newsource, “Millions of Americans are not getting food stamp benefits needed to feed their families,” Matt Egan said. 

According to the Arkansas Advocate for Families and Children, Arkansas has the highest rate of food insecurity rate in the nation at 18.9% while the United States is ranked at 13.5%. 

“As a result, the 240,000 Arkansans who use SNAP to put food on the table are still at risk of hunger as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches and many school children will be at home during the week of Thanksgiving without access to school meals.” 

PRESIDENTIAL CLAIMS ON GROCERY PRICES LOWERING 

Following this article, according to CNN Newsource, President Trump spoke to reporters on Nov. 16, 2025, quickly on what seems to be a tarmac at an airport. 

“Okay everybody we had a great weekend from an economic standpoint,” Trump said. “Our prices are coming down substantially on grocery prices.”

He went on to point out that some thanksgiving meal items at national stores like Walmart were lower as well. 

“I go to Walmart and other companies and in every case it’s about 25% that a thanksgiving meal and surroundings are 25% lower than it was under the Biden administration,” Trump said. 

NATIONAL COMPANIES AND CONTROVERSY WITH LOWER MEAL PACKAGE PRICES 

In regards to cheaper grocery prices, Walmart’s President and CEO John Furner, also released a statement on LinkedIn:

“Our Thanksgiving Meal Basket this year is our best – and most affordable – yet. At less than $4 a person you can feed 10 people a full holiday meal for 25% less than the basket we had last year,” Furner said. 

This post by Furner caused some controversy between several business officials in the comment section. Most people replying to the post saying this is only true because there are less meal items included in the basket this year. 

 

Target, another national company offered a Thanksgiving meal package. In a press release from the store, this year’s meal package is its most affordable yet. 

“Back by popular demand, Target’s holiday meal for four returns at its lowest price ever — under $20, less than $5 per person,”  Target’s press release said. 

WHAT DEAL EACH STORE OFFERED:

TARGET – According to Target, their Thanksgiving meal package claims to feed four people for under the price of $20. 

WALMART – According to Walmart, their Thanksgiving meal package claims to feed 10 people for under the price of $40. Walmart offers its holiday meal baskets through Dec. 25, 2025 which can be purchased online and in person throughout stores nationwide. 

HARP’S – Harp’s partnered with local organizations to help create holiday baskets for prices ranging from $10, $15 and $20. 

The holiday meal packages at both Walmart and Target included several items ranging from a frozen turkey, stuffing, vegetables, potatoes and more. 

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS IN NORTH WEST ARKANSAS HELPING members in the community

The University of Arkansas’ Full Circle Food Pantry, the Salvation Army of NWA, and 7 Hills Homeless Center worked to help provide Thanksgiving meal packages to NWA residents. 

On Thanksgiving day, members of the community can receive a festive lunch from the 7 Hills Homeless Center and a Thanksgiving dinner feast at the Salvation Army of NWA. 

Anyone with a University of Arkansas ID can receive food support from the Full Circle Food Pantry. The pantry on campus will resume regular business hours on Dec. 1, 2025.