Free Turkey Alert! Where to Find Food Over Thanksgiving

Despite the shutdown’s apparent winding down, millions of Americans are still awaiting SNAP benefits. That’s especially tough during the holidays. Here are some Thanksgiving offerings to ease the burden.

Free turkeys

• 🦃 Nov. 13: The annual 1K Turkey Giveaway | Intentional Sports | Austin | 2 p.m.
• 🦃 Nov. 13: The 25th annual Food for the Body and Spirit turkey giveaway | McDonald’s at 1637 W. 95th St. | Washington Heights | 8 a.m.
• 🦃 Nov. 14: The 25th annual Food for the Body and Spirit turkey giveaway | McDonald’s at 14702 Dixie Highway | Harvey
• 🦃 Nov. 15: The 25th annual Food for the Body and Spirit turkey giveaway | McDonald’s at 19767 S. Halsted St. | Chicago Heights
• 🦃 Nov. 22: Turkey Giveaway | St. James Church Chicago and TURN Center | Chinatown and Bronzeville | 10 a.m.
• 🦃 Nov. 23: Free Turkey Giveaway | Vault Gallerie | Pilsen | 4 p.m.

Free Meals

• 🍽️ Tapas Valencia in Near South Side offers free traditional turkey dinners for families in need every Thanksgiving. Call to reserve yours.
• 🍽️ Inspiration Kitchens in East Garfield Park is hosting a free breakfast for in-need neighbors on Thanksgiving Day at 7 a.m.
• 🍽️ Salud Center in South Chicago is hosting a Community Thanksgiving Dinner at 11 a.m. Register online.
• 🍽️ The Salvation Army offers free Thanksgiving meals feeding up to six people. Reach out here for details.
• 🍽️ Food pantries citywide will offer meals, too. Find your nearest location here.

Need More Assistance?

While Chicago’s food assistance organizations brace for the rise in food insecurity across the city, Ruby Ferguson of the Greater Chicago Food Depository recently shared how the city’s network is preparing.

Want To Help?

• 🫶 Volunteer leading up to and on Thanksgiving day through The Basket Brigade or at various soup kitchens, food pantries, and food banks.
• 🫶 This swanky Chefsgiving event benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
• 🫶 Run the Life Time Turkey Trot.
• 🫶 And you can always join a mutual aid!