Potluck Thanksgiving? Northeast Ohio families get creative to cut Thanksgiving costs

CLEVELAND — As many Northeast Ohio families load up their carts for Thanksgiving, the rising cost of groceries is becoming harder to ignore.

"I’ve noticed prices going up slowly but surely over the last 6 months or so,” TJ Smith says.

With prices climbing, some families are turning to holiday traditions that stretch both the meal and the budget. Smith said his family has made cost-cutting part of their celebration.

"We all have a tradition of making a specific dish. One person makes mac and cheese. One person makes the turkey [and] one person makes the ham,” Smith said.

For many, potluck-style Thanksgiving dinners are more than just convenient; they’re becoming an economic strategy.

"Usually, when I’m cooking for myself, it’s over $100. But since we’re doing it this way, it saves a lo