Free Thanksgiving dinners and turkeys
Food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and faith groups are here to make the holiday season brighter. If you are looking for food, Thanksgiving meals are available to help make this holiday season a time of joy and togetherness.
Find out where to get free food or how you can give back this Thanksgiving.
How do I find a free Thanksgiving meal?
Free Thanksgiving meals or food boxes are available near you. Enter your zip code below to find your nearest food bank.
Even if a food bank seems far away, they work with food pantries, soup kitchens, and faith-based organizations closer to your home. Some will even travel to your community.
What free food is available this Thanksgiving?
There are a few different ways food banks and food pantries give out free food for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, not all of these options may be available in your community, so it's best to ask your local food bank what they offer.
Many food banks have a schedule of Thanksgiving food distributions on their website, and you can also call to ask about their hours, and any requirements. Some may also require you to sign up for a Thanksgiving basket or meal before November.
-
Free turkeysA free turkey can come in a Thanksgiving food box, or you may get a gift card to use to buy a turkey from a grocery store. When turkeys are not available, you may get another protein like ham or chicken.
-
Thanksgiving lunch or dinner
Your local food pantry or soup kitchen may serve a free Thanksgiving lunch or dinner. They may serve this meal on Thanksgiving, the day before Thanksgiving, or the day after. Some locations may provide meals to-go rather than dine-in.
-
Thanksgiving food boxes
Many food banks provide free baskets or boxes with food to make your own Thanksgiving meal. These boxes can include protein 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 cannot visit a food distribution in person, home delivery may be available. Many food banks and food pantries deliver pre-prepared Thanksgiving meals or food boxes. Some home deliveries are limited to seniors and people with disabilities. Ask your food bank or food pantry if you qualify for home delivery.