Did you know Thanksgiving has been an official federal holiday since President Abraham Lincoln’s declaration in 1863? While much has changed since its official inception, many of us will be shopping this weekend to stock our pantries and refrigerators for the Thanksgiving holiday. As the day itself is rooted in American tradition, how can holiday shoppers support their fellow Americans this holiday season? While planning to donate to or volunteer by serving a festive meal at your local food pantry is a caring way to give back, don’t forget about American manufacturers this holiday!
From food and decorations to cooking utensils and dishware, it’s easy to support national manufacturing by planning ahead and looking out for certain brands at your local grocery store. And, since 91% of manufacturing employers are providing two paid days off for their employees — the most of any industry — it’s time to stock up and cook enough for both Thanksgiving and Black Friday!
Cookware
According to the Alliance for American Manufacturing, shoppers can purchase American-manufactured cookware from brands such as Williams-Sonoma, Regal Ware, All-Clad All-American, and Epicurean for the perfect bird, side dish, and desert pots, pans, utensils — and storage containers with room to store leftovers.
Main and side dishes
But what will you put into those pots and pans and mix with American utensils? Unlike the Pilgrims’ swans, seal, and lobster dinner, turkey is the modern American meal centerpiece. And since most employers aren’t planning to hand out turkeys this year, although 7% of manufacturing employers do, according to the Bloomberg study, keep American-produced Butterball turkeys in mind. Traditional side-dish favorites from Ocean Spray and Pillsbury are also made in the U.S.! Your local stores and farmers markets are other excellent ways to get your hands on nearby American-made fare and support your local manufacturers and economy.
Decorations
Thanksgiving spreads make that delicious food all the more festive, so don’t forget about décor! In addition to cooking utensils, American manufacturing company Williams-Sonoma also crafts decorations. And if you’re looking for something new, the Alliance recommends Lit & Co., a scent-making business located in Idaho.
With so many U.S.-manufactured products available this holiday season, it’s almost time to turn on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and throw a football around in the backyard while the turkey cooks! Make the most of your all-American holiday this year with American-manufactured products — and don’t forget to wear your favorite stretchy pants!