Apparently the rainy fall did not help already poor pumpkin crops, reports Libby's, the largest supplier of canned pumpkin.

So how is this information going to affect your breakfast or Thanksgiving menus? Is Eggo worth a premium if stores start jacking up prices on the limited supply? Will you substitute pecans or squash or sweet potato puree in your holiday dessert? 

You might consider other brands, because I think the freezer aisle has plenty of breakfast options. Why not spend a weekend morning making and freezing your own waffles? If you don't own a waffle iron, pancakes can also be frozen.

This is an obvious tip for pumpkin as well, although it might not be as inexpensive. I saw plenty of organic pumpkin at the Trader Joe's in Towson when I stopped there this week.

UPDATED: Are you concerned about the absence of pumpkin? Susan Reimer is working on a story and would love to talk to you. Send her an e-mail at susan.reimer@baltsun.com or comment on her blog post about the canned pumpkin shortage.

(photo: Associated Press)