Thanksgiving has a great deal to do with food, from those who can afford loading up for a feast to the less fortunate hoping for a successful food drive.

Whether people were headed out of town or playing host for Thanksgiving dinner, preparations are in full swing and area stores reflected that.

Mother Kimberly Knoeffel said she was doing last-minute shopping for a group of 22.

“(We’re going to cook) lobster, crab, turkey and a roast,” she said. “The cleanup afterwards is when you go ‘ugh.’”

Some things that can help ease the drag of cleaning (but could also harm productivity) are the products at the LCBO, where staff were busy matching wines.

“This is of course our first big weekend of the fall when people are no longer at the cottage,” said Michael Grawbarger, LCBO product consultant.

“Often times the strongest element on the plate you're trying to match is not the chicken, it's not the turkey, it's things like the gravy, things like the spices and the dressing.”

Pumpkins, good for more than just eating, were the focus of the day for Joe and Lucille Kennedy, taking their grandchildren out for some picking.

“I come from the farm so it's a beautiful way to go back and remember the good old days,” Joe said.

The quiet setting also gave the children a chance to reflect on what they were thankful for.

“I’m thankful for my very loving family,” said Aidan Kennedy.

“My sisters and my brothers and all of my friends,” said Sydney Kennedy.

Food bank would be thankful for weekend haul

The Ottawa Food Bank enlisted the help of some Olympians Friday for its “Thanks for Giving Food Drive”, one of their biggest weekends of the year.

Dylan Wykes, top Canadian in the marathon, and fourth-place wrestler Martine DuGrenier said they realize while they challenge for world titles, others are fighting to feed their families.

“As athletes, we spend most of our time training but when you can make a little time in your day . . . hopefully it helps other people to enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend," Wykes said.

“Some people don't have that opportunity to celebrate with their family,” said DuGrenier. “I think it's just great to be here and maybe they're going to get a better Thanksgiving.”

With reports from CTV Ottawa’s John Hua and Norman Fetterley