This is a time for great food bargains as grocery stores offer discounts for Thanksgiving feasts. Many of us will be taking advantage of these promotions from local supermarkets.

As you're shopping this season, keep in mind there is one place where your food dollar goes further and does more good than anywhere else.

America's Second Harvest of Greater St. Joseph, the food bank serving 19 counties in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas, can take a $1 donation and provide up to $12 worth of food to needy families. The astounding figure is evidence of the worthy work Second Harvest and its affiliated food pantries do in our region.

The need is greater than ever. Second Harvest reports its usage has grown by 21 percent over the past year. Each week, 20 to 40 new visitors come to the organization's food pantries seeking help. In all, it is estimated 25,000 people a month rely on the region's pantries, food kitchens and senior citizen centers.

Even in the recession, donations and volunteer hours have increased. We take pride in our community's sensitivity to our neighbors' needs and charitable response. The ongoing recession, however, demands that we continue to step up to help those who are struggling.

The Mayor's Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday will provide one of Second Harvest's greatest boosts during the year. Businesses, churches, schools and community groups also are sponsoring fun ways to support the pantries through food drives. We applaud them for their creativity and generosity.

To donate money or food items, call (816) 364-3663 or go to www.stjoefoodbank.org.

Each of us can help in some way, especially during this season of Thanksgiving.

We encourage you to take some of the money saved while bargain shopping and share it with the local food bank, where it will provide 12 times as much food. No doubt it is one of the best deals you will find.