A Guide to Free Thanksgiving Meals and Turkeys in NYC

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude, eat delicious food, and embrace community, but it can also be a difficult holiday for various reasons. Whether you’re struggling to afford a turkey, or looking for a hot meal this holiday, we’ve compiled a list of organizations offering free Thanksgiving turkeys, meals, and events across the boroughs. These resources aim to provide nourishment and connection to individuals and families in need. Please keep in mind that many of these giveaways and events operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend arriving early to ensure you can access these services. Below, you’ll find details of each opportunity by borough.

Additionally, use Food Help NYC finder to locate closest soup kitchens and food pantries https://finder.nyc.gov/foodhelp/

Call Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or dial 311

THE BRONX

Super Tuesday Thanksgiving Service - Dream Life Church

What: Free 10-13 pound turkey with fixings

When: Tuesday, November 26th, 4:00 - 8:00 PM

Where: 1638 Bronxdale Avenue

More Information: Reserve a spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/super-tuesday-thanksgiving-service-tickets-1003587486187

Essen Health Care Giveaway

What: Free turkey and food bag distribution

When: Thursday, November 21st, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Where: 616 Castle Hill Avenue

More Information: https://www.instagram.com/freebronxkids/p/DCG-I-cJmPJ/

Everlasting Church Giveaway

What: Free turkey 

When: Sunday, November 24th, 11:00 AM service, 12:00 PM giveaway

Where: Brady Court Community Center - 768 Brady Avenue

More Information: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCXOxRoyZ47/

Soundview Avenue Baptist Church Giveaway

What: Free turkey and trimmings

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Where: 629 Soundview Avenue

More Information: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCG90itJ_9N/

BROOKLYN

Harvesting Health and Harmony Giveaway & Event
What: Free frozen turkeys, mental health workshops, and performance by Busta Rhymes

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Where: P.S. 135 at 684 Linden Blvd, East Flatbush

More Information: RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScH0pbm6Elo5xpgVuP5KIMd766pLcdqP-rRIxWvu3avpDURdA/viewform

Call for questions: 718-385-3336

Goke Food Pantry Turkey Giveaway

What: Free turkeys

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 9:00 AM

Where: 622 Cortelyou Road, Ditmas Park

More Information: https://gokefoodpantry.org/

MANHATTAN (Downtown/Uptown)

The Bowery Mission

What: Thanksgiving Day celebration that includes hot breakfast, a traditional holiday meal, and live music

When: Thursday, November 28th

Hot breakfast: 8:00 - 9:00 AM

Thanksgiving meal: 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Where: 227 Bowery, Lower East Side

More Information: https://www.bowery.org/updates/2024/10/thanksgiving-2024/

West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH)

What: Free turkeys and Thanksgiving meals distributed to families

When: Call or email for details about distribution

Where: 263 West 86th Street, Upper West Side

More Information: Call 212-362-3662 or email info@wscah.org 

https://www.wscah.org/news/event/2024-11-01-give-the-gift-of-a-happy-holiday

MANHATTAN (Harlem)

Bethel Gospel Assembly 

What: Free Thanksgiving dinner and clothing giveaway for community

When: Thursday, November 28th, 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Where: 2-26 East 120th Street

More Information: Call 212-860-1510 

The National Action Network Turkey Distribution

What: Free turkeys while supplies last

When: Tuesday, November 26th, 5:00 PM

Where: NAN House of Justice, 106 West 145th Street

More Information: https://x.com/TheRevAl/status/1856824174934691984

Harlem Grown’s Thanksgiving Drive

What: Registered community members in need receive free meal kits including a frozen turkey and fresh produce 

When: Tuesday, November 26th, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Where: 116 West 134th Street, Harlem

More Information: Head to one of Harlem Grown’s two weekly Farm Stands to learn how to register. 

Farm Stands Info: https://www.harlemgrown.org/farm-stands

Thanksgiving Drive Info: https://www.harlemgrown.org/thanksgiving-drive

QUEENS

Turkey Giveaway with NY Senator

What: Free frozen turkeys, a hot meal, and live music from high school jazz band

When: Wednesday, November 20th, 6:00 PM 

Where: P.S. 19 Marino Jeantet, 40-10 99th Street, Corona

More Information: https://x.com/NYSenatorRamos/status/1856454086809297336

Turkey Distribution with NYS Assemblywoman

What: Free turkeys 

When: Saturday, November 23rd, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

Where: 83-91 Woodhaven Blvd, Woodhaven

More Information: https://x.com/JeniferRajkumar/status/1856759092137648239

Happy Thanksgiving!