Its so important (and sometimes a real challenge) to remember gratitude. Its been a hard year, and everyone is feeling a little worn and tattered. Thanksgiving can be a time for joy, of gratefulness for the summer and fall harvest and for the love and support of friends and family. It can also be a stressful time for some. Be kind to yourself and to others...and if you don't have the energy or will for active giving (a great way to practice gratitude) be what I call a "quiet giver". With food drives (don't forget the PB & J drive!) in abundance at this time of year that only accept canned, jarred, or boxed food, its easy to forget that certain local food pantries accept fresh produce too. The Niagara Community Action Program at 160 Washburn Street, and Sr. Helen's Food Pantry at 14 Ann Street, both in Lockport, accept fresh vegetables and fruits. You can give the gift of local, fresh, and healthy to those who need it most!

Speaking of Thanksgiving, let's not forget the opportunity to celebrate with a dinner made from local produce!

Check out the great Thanksgiving Day recipes below for some healthy and delicious takes on the classics.

Not sure where to grab your Thanksgiving Day squash? Find the freshest at the Lockport Community Farmers Market and support our local growers!

Jocelyn is a parent, biologist and teacher. She is interested in nutrition, food equity, the benefits of eating locally grown foods to people's health and the economy, preservation of local farmland, and supporting small-scale and family farms.

We look forward to her involvement with LCSD's F2S program!

• Harvest of the Month: Local Marquart Farms potatoes!
• Taste Testing at all Schools: Oven roasted seasoned potatoes
• New York State Thursday: Stuffed baked potato with broccoli and cheese, LynOaken Farms apples, Upstate Farms milk
• Tower Gardens: Tower Gardens will be harvested between now and the holidays with the next rotation of teachers and students ready to enjoy them starting January 1st!