Portland area will see shortages on Thanksgiving staples this year that may impact holiday dinners

Supply chain shortages are impacting Portland area stores and restaurants. Here's where to get your dinner reserved now.

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

After last year's Thanksgiving holiday was mostly virtual thanks to the pandemic, many Portland residents have been looking forward to a "normal" Thanksgiving this year. With an estimated 80% of Oregon adults vaccinated, in-person gatherings feel significantly safer this year. But there's a new problem: food shortages.

Retailers and restaurants are warning that it will be increasingly hard to get Thanksgiving staples due to the double whammy of supply chain issues and labor shortages. Items most at risk include:

• Smaller sized turkeys, particularly anything under 15 pounds
• Cranberry sauce, particularly canned varieties
• Gravy
• Refrigerator and bakery pies, particularly pumpkin
• Canned vegetables

Photo by Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash

Prices are also up 10% or more from last year on most food items. So what's a Thanksgiving-loving Portlander to do? Two words: shop early. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to find your traditional dinner ingredients. If you've got the freezer space, buy what you can now so you don't get stuck having hamburgers for dinner.

You may have better luck visiting larger retailers like Frey Meyer, Safeway, and Whole Foods. The larger chain stores locked in their orders months ago, and with more storage facilities they were able to stock up on some items ahead of the rush. Smaller groceries will likely have a more difficult time obtaining items and keeping them in stock.

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Several Portland area grocery stores are offering pre-orders for pre-prepared meals. These can be a nice option because, in addition to having most of the work done for you ahead of time, you also have the flexibility to order your favorites in the sizes you prefer. Order deadlines are earlier this year, so get your order in now. You can click on the store name below to be directed to their holiday order page.

• New Seasons
• Fred Meyer
• Safeway
• Albertsons
• Whole Foods
• Market of Choice

Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash

The same "plan early" advice goes for anyone planning to order prepared food from restaurants. Several local favorites are offering take-home Thanksgiving meals this year. Here are some places in town you might want to try if you want to get a head start on your holiday dinner:

• Yonder: Yonder is offering a "finish at home" Thanksgiving dinner that feeds six people for $300. This includes turkey dishes, stuffing, sides, biscuits, and desserts. To order online visit their website.
• Bullard Tavern: Bullard is offering family dinner boxes for $170 as well as dine-in service on Thanksgiving day. Reserve yours here.
• Tasty: Tasty is offering a meal kit for $125 including turkey, stuffing, bread, and pie. Order here.
• Andina: You can get a Peruvian spin on Thanksgiving for $85 a person. For more information click here.
• Olympia Provisions Southeast: At Olympia Provisions your Thanksgiving dinner includes a delicious charcuterie board as well as your favorites. The cost is $85 for two people. Check it out.
• Ripe Cooperative: The bistro is offering a 2-person dinner for $125. Order here.
• Bark City BBQ: If you prefer your dinner a la cart, build a custom meal at Bark City and place your order here.
• Papa Haydn: This long-time Portland favorite is offering meals for two for $80, and be sure to add on dessert. Check it out here.

Of course, there's no rule you have to stick with a traditional Thanksgiving. This may just be the year that you skip dinner and go for a hike in Forest Park, check out a movie, or watch football at home, especially if your family dynamics are difficult. If you're looking for other Thanksgiving activities, click here.

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