Amid financial challenges and rising inflation this year, a traditional Thanksgiving meal may seem out of reach for many families. Whether you’re in need of assistance or looking to offer help, here’s a list of resources providing food and support to those in need this Thanksgiving:
Houston
Operation Turkey: A Thanksgiving Tradition of Giving Back
For 24 years, Operation Turkey has been a 100% volunteer-driven effort, mobilizing over 50,000 volunteers annually to deliver warm Thanksgiving meals to those in need. This year, the organization will host events across four Houston locations on November 27 and 28, offering multiple opportunities for the community to get involved.
Houston Turkey Tailgate Locations (November 27, 2024, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.):
- Katy: Katy Elks Lodge #2628, 1050 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy, TX 77493
- Site Leader: Melanie Dubendorff
- Volunteer Here
- Midtown: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St, Houston, TX 77004
- Site Leader: Larry Blair
- Volunteer Here
- Southeast: Community Transformation Church, 9701 Almeda Genoa Rd, Houston, TX 77075
- Site Leaders: Bob Gebhard & Kay Barbour
- Volunteer Here
- West: American Legion, 3105 Campbell Rd, Houston, TX 77080
- Site Leader: Hector Giron
- Volunteer Here
Operating in 11 cities across Texas, Operation Turkey continues its mission of providing warm meals each Thanksgiving. For more details or to join the cause, visit Operation Turkey.
Additional Thanksgiving Resources in Houston
- Operation Turkey Drop – Children Like Loni
- Date: Nov. 16, noon–2 p.m.
- Address: 8440 Greenhouse Rd, Cypress, TX 77433
- Info: 281-895-1500
- Annual Free Turkey Giveaway – Meat Planet Inc.
- Date: Nov. 18, 10 a.m.–noon
- Address: 7130 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77011
- Thanksgiving Giveaway – Holiness Temple of God Christian Fellowship
- Date: Nov. 18, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Address: Marriott Courtyard, 6708 N. Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77040
- Info: 713-301-4864
- Thanksgiving Feast – Living Word Fellowship Church
- Date: Nov. 19, noon (after 9:30 a.m. service)
- Address: 7350 W. TC Jester Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
- Turkey Giveaway – Compean Funeral Home
- Date: Nov. 19, 8 a.m. (until supplies last)
- Address: 2102 Broadway Blvd, Houston, TX 77012
- Thanksgiving Meal Drive – Kroger Gate at NRG Stadium
- Date: Nov. 21, 5 p.m.–7 p.m.
- Address: Two NRG Park, Houston, TX 77054
- Families Feeding Families – Salem Community Center
- Date: Nov. 22, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Address: 22601 Lutheran Church Rd, Tomball, TX 77377
- Monkey’s Tail Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
- Date: Nov. 28, 10 a.m.–noon
- Address: 5802 Fulton St, Houston, TX 77009
- Meals include turkey, sides, dessert, and reheating instructions.
For more information or to participate, reach out to the respective organizations. Let’s come together to ensure no one goes hungry this Thanksgiving!
44th Annual City Wide Club Super Feast
The City Wide Club’s “Super Feast” at George R. Brown Convention Center is hailed as the nation’s largest holiday meal and turkey distribution. Held on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, it provides thousands of families with all the essentials for a holiday meal. Attendees can also access resources on housing, education, employment, and City Wide’s Life-Recovery Programs, offering pathways out of homelessness.
Monkey’s Tail Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
Monkey’s Tail will distribute 500 free holiday meals on Thanksgiving morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., first-come, first-served. Meals are served cold with reheating instructions and include:
- Fried turkey (dark & white meat)
- Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts & sweet potato hash
- Green bean casserole, cornbread stuffing, dinner roll
- Chocolate chip cookie, turkey gravy, and cranberry sauce
Location: 5802 Fulton St, Houston, TX 77009
Phone: (713) 842-7188
Bonus: Monkey’s Tail’s popular tamales return November 1, available nightly until 1:15 a.m. ($9 for 6, $16 for 12).
Dallas
As Thanksgiving approaches, Dallas offers plenty of ways to help residents enjoy a festive holiday meal without the financial burden. From free dinners to turkey giveaways, here’s a summary of upcoming events and resources:
Top Events and Giveaways
H-E-B Feast of Sharing
- Date: Friday, November 8, 2024
- Time: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Location: Centennial Hall, Fair Park, 1001 Washington St, Dallas, TX 75210
- Details: Free holiday dinner open to all, hosted inside the Automobile Building at Fair Park.
United Way Holiday Meal Distribution
- Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
- Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Location: Fair Park, 1010 First Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
- Details: Pre-registered families will receive a holiday meal box with turkey and sides. Includes health screenings, kids’ activities, and community resources.
East Dallas Turkey Giveaway
- Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
- Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Location: Owenwood Farm & Neighbor Space, 1451 John West Rd, Dallas, TX 75228
- Details: One turkey per pre-registered family. Limited supplies.
Meals of Thanks & Giving Food Distribution
- Date: Monday, November 25, 2024
- Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: West Dallas Multipurpose Center, 2828 Fish Trap Rd, Dallas, TX 75212
- Details: Drive-thru distribution of uncooked turkey and fresh produce for residents in ZIP codes 75208, 75211, and 75212.
Operation Turkey
- Date: Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024
- Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Details: Hot meals delivered by volunteers to participating ZIP codes. Request meals at Operation Turkey’s website.
Additional Resources
MLK Fresh Produce Distribution Center
- When: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2922 MLK Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
- Details: Free fruits, vegetables, and dry goods. No income or ZIP code restrictions.
Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway
- Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024, 10 a.m.
- Location: MLK Jr. Community Center, 2922 MLK Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
- Details: Pre-registration required for drive-thru distribution.
How to Get Assistance
- North Texas Food Bank: Find local pantries and holiday food distribution sites here.
- SNAP & WIC Benefits: Apply for assistance with groceries through state programs like SNAP or WIC.
- Findhelp: Search for free food resources by entering your ZIP code at Findhelp.
Ways to Give Back
- Donate or Volunteer: Contribute food, funds, or time to organizations like the North Texas Food Bank or Operation Turkey.
AUSTIN
Although Austin doesn’t host a Thanksgiving parade, several local organizations are providing free meals to those in need. Here’s where to enjoy a warm meal this holiday season:
Thanksgiving Day Meals
Operation Turkey
- Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
- Locations: Multiple across Austin
- Details: Free meals delivered to families in need. Visit Operation Turkey’s website to volunteer or request a meal.
The Salvation Army Austin
- Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: 501 E. 8th St., Austin, TX 78701
- Details: A hot Thanksgiving meal served in a welcoming community setting.
Eastside Thanksgiving Dinner
- Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Location: Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 4407 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX 78721
- Details: Free meals for all, served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sunrise Community Church Feast
- Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: 4430 Menchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78745
- Details: Annual Thanksgiving feast for the community.
Mount Olive Baptist Church
- Details: Celebration of love with free meals at 1800 E. 11th St., Austin, TX.
Austin Mutual Aid Meal Delivery
- Details: Volunteers deliver Thanksgiving meals to those in need.
Black Pumas Thanksgiving Giveaway
- Time: 12 p.m.
- Location: TBD
- Details: First-come, first-served meal distribution.
Pre-Holiday Events
Caritas of Austin
- Date: Wednesday, November 22, 2024
- Time: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Location: 611 Neches St.
- Details: Thanksgiving lunch with dine-in or takeout options.
H-E-B Feast of Sharing
- Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2024
- Time: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Location: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
- Details: Free Thanksgiving dinner hosted by H-E-B and United Way.
Austin Turkey Trot Community Breakfast
- Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
- Time: 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
- Location: Republic Square Park, 422 W. 5th St., Austin, TX 78701
- Details: Free breakfast for all before the Turkey Trot.
Central Texas Food Bank
- Dates: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Location: 6500 Montopolis Dr.
- Details: Distributing 17,000 turkeys and holiday meals.
This Thanksgiving, Texas ensures no one goes without a festive meal. Visit their websites or contact the organizers for details or registration requirements. Whether you’re in need or want to help, there’s a way to make this season meaningful for everyone.
