KANSAS CITY — As financial challenges linger from the pandemic, some retailers are debuting more affordable Thanksgiving meal options for the holiday. 

Batavia, Ill.-based ALDI is offering the Butterball turkey, must-have sides and classic pumpkin pie for less than $30, both in stores and online. According to a new survey, nearly 90% of hosts expect to spend $50 or more on a Thanksgiving meal for up to 10 guests, and ALDI shoppers can spend 40% less.  

"Soon we'll be reconnecting with family and friends around the Thanksgiving table," said Dave Rinaldo, co-president ALDI U.S. "I'm incredibly proud that for less than $30, ALDI shoppers can prepare a delicious Thanksgiving meal, including the turkey, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and more. With that kind of savings, you may have room for an extra chair or two around the table this year." 

Through Nov. 28, customers can purchase Meijer brand frozen turkeys for 33 cents per pound.  

Additionally, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer is carrying a wide array of small and large birds to accommodate every gathering size. The retailer is offering a vast selection of turkeys; including fresh, frozen, organic and antibiotic-free birds to suit every household's preferences. Meijer brand fresh turkeys cost 99 cents per pound and Butterball fresh turkeys come in at $1.99 per pound. 

There is a limit of two per customer on all fresh and frozen turkeys. 

"Our highest priority is bringing value to our customers this holiday season," said Don Sanderson, Group Vice President of Foods at Meijer. "This Thanksgiving will be significant to many of our customers as they return to more 'normal' traditions, and we want to make celebrating that return easy by offering an affordable turkey for every gathering." 

For families who prefer not to cook, Meijer is also taking orders for its premade heat and serve Thanksgiving dinners. 

Meijer offers a deluxe turkey dinner for $59.99, which includes a 10- to 12-pound prebaked Butterball turkey, home-style stuffing, roasted turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry relish and a dozen King's Hawaiian dinner rolls. A deluxe ham dinner costs $59.99, which includes a 7- to 9-pound spiral ham, home-style stuffing, roasted turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry relish and a dozen King's Hawaiian dinner rolls. Both deluxe dinners can feed 8-10 people.