How To Get Cheap or Free Thanksgiving Dinner and Turkeys
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many individuals and families may be wondering where to find free Thanksgiving dinners and turkeys.
The holiday season is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a festive meal, but for some, it can be a financial burden. Fortunately, there are several ways to find free Thanksgiving dinners and turkeys if you need help.
Local charities, food banks, community centers, and religious organizations often team up to provide free Thanksgiving meals or gift turkeys, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to celebrate this cherished holiday with a delicious meal. This guide provides comprehensive information on the best resources to help families find free Thanksgiving dinners and turkeys in 2024.
How Do I Find a Free Thanksgiving Dinner and Turkeys?
Free Thanksgiving meals or food boxes are available near you. Enter your zip code below to find the nearest food bank.
Even if a food bank seems far away, they work with food pantries, soup kitchens, and faith-based organizations closer to home. Some even travel to your community.
Many food banks have a Thanksgiving food distribution schedule on their website. You can also call to ask about the foods they offer, their hours, and if they have any requirements. You may also need to sign up to receive a Thanksgiving basket or meal before November.
What Free Food is Available this Thanksgiving?
There are a few different ways that food banks and food pantries are giving out free food for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, not all of these options may be available in your community, so ask your local food bank what they are offering.
✔️Free Turkeys: A free turkey may come in a Thanksgiving food box, or you can get a gift card to use to purchase a turkey at a grocery store. When turkeys are not available, you can get another protein like ham or chicken.
✔️Thanksgiving Dinner: Your local food pantry or soup kitchen may serve a free Thanksgiving lunch or dinner. They may serve this meal on Thanksgiving Day, the day before Thanksgiving, or the day after. Due to the pandemic, meals may be takeout instead of dine-in.
✔️Thanksgiving Food Boxes: Many food banks provide free baskets or boxes with food to make your own Thanksgiving meal. These boxes may include proteins like turkey and sides like cranberries, gravy, and vegetables. You may need to pick up your box at a drive-thru pantry or schedule a contactless pickup.
✔️Home Delivery: If you are unable to visit a food distribution in person, home delivery may be available. Many food banks and food pantries deliver meals or pre-prepared food boxes for Thanksgiving. Some home deliveries are limited to seniors and people with disabilities. Ask your food bank or food pantry if you qualify for home delivery.
How Do I Find Free Food and Groceries After Thanksgiving?
Here are a few ways to find free food and groceries after Thanksgiving:
1. Food Banks and Pantries
Many food banks and pantries offer free Thanksgiving meals and turkeys to those in need. These organizations often have special programs during the holiday season to ensure everyone can enjoy a festive meal. Check with your local food bank to see if they have any Thanksgiving food distribution events.
2. Community Centers and Churches
Community centers and churches often host free Thanksgiving dinners and distribute turkeys to families in need. These events are often advertised in local newspapers, on community bulletin boards, or through social media. Contact your local community center or church to ask about their Thanksgiving programs.
3. Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations such as the Salvation Army, Feeding America, and local charities often provide free Thanksgiving meals and turkeys. These organizations may have specific application processes or eligibility criteria, so it’s important to contact them directly for more information.
If you are facing homelessness then you can also be eligible for free breakfast and dinner.
4. Government Programs
Some government programs offer free Thanksgiving meals and turkeys to low-income families. These programs may be available through local social service agencies or community action programs. Check with your local government office to see if they have any holiday food assistance programs.
Know how to find free holiday food boxes near you.
Stores that giving away Free Turkeys for Thanksgiving
Here are some stores that are giving away free turkeys for Thanksgiving:
Acme Markets
Acme Markets is offering a free frozen turkey (10 to 22 pounds) when you spend at least $300 in-store and clip the digital coupon from now through Nov. 23. You can also choose a frozen turkey breast from 4 to 7 pounds.
Albertsons
Albertsons shoppers who spend $100 or more can get a free turkey (up to 20 pounds) with their purchase. Alternatively, if you spend at least $50, you’ll get a turkey for 59 cents a pound.
BJ’s Wholesale Club
From Nov. 1 to Nov. 9, BJ’s shoppers who spend $150 or more (both in-store and online) will receive a digital coupon for a free whole Butterball turkey (fresh or frozen) worth up to $25. The coupon can be redeemed from November 11-22.
Foodtown
Foodtown customers in the Northeast who use their club card to purchase $400 or more between now and Thanksgiving can get a free frozen turkey (10-20 pounds). Alternatively, you can choose a $10 store gift card or Stouffer’s Lasagna instead.
Giant Direct
Giant food stores are offering a free turkey when you accumulate 400 CHOICE points by November 23. You can redeem these points for a Giant or Shady Brook Farms brand frozen turkey (up to 20 pounds), get $1 off per pound on any other fresh or frozen turkey, or treat yourself to a Stouffer’s holiday entrée.
ButcherBox
Sign up for a ButcherBox subscription plan and get a free 10- to 14-pound turkey with your first delivery through November.
Ibotta
Ibotta, one of the most popular cash back apps, is back with its fourth free Thanksgiving promotion, offering shoppers 100% cash back on five Thanksgiving staples at any participating retailer through Wednesday, November 22.
Read More: I Don’t Qualify for Food Stamps But I Need Help – Food Stamps Alternatives
How can I help this Thanksgiving?
There are many ways you and your family can contribute this Thanksgiving:
- Volunteer at a local food bank or food pantry
- Organize a virtual Thanksgiving food drive
- Donate food for Thanksgiving
- Share your best wishes with families visiting food banks
- Donate to Feeding America or your local food bank
Conclusion
With so many organizations coming together to provide free Thanksgiving dinners and turkeys, there are numerous ways for families in need to celebrate the holiday without the stress of food insecurity. Please reach out to the organizations mentioned in advance and enjoy a rewarding and enriching Thanksgiving with your loved ones.
Let’s make Thanksgiving 2024 a time of gratitude, unity, and community support for all.
