The holidays can be a financially stressful time for anyone, but even more so this year due to the rising cost of food caused by inflation. While some are fortunate enough to fill their table with an indulgent dinner spread, many families in the New York City area are struggling to afford their basic needs. For those who are barely getting by, the holiday season is a harsh reminder of how little support is provided to low-income households. Fortunately, there are a variety of programs and organizations that offer free Thanksgiving dinner in New York City, including free turkeys this 2023 holiday season.
To help relieve some of your holiday stress, we have put together a list of all the nonprofit organizations offering holiday food assistance and free Thanksgiving dinner, Turkeys, and other food giveaways in the New York City area for 2023.
Alert: Check out the Free Christmas Assistance available in New York for 2023
Free Thanksgiving Dinner in New York City, including Turkey Giveaways (2023 Guide)
Below is a list of all the organizations offering Free Thanksgiving Dinner in New York City for 2023.
We will provide you with the organization name, program offerings, registration requirements and instructions, address, and contact information.
West Side Campaign Against Hunger – Upper West Side
Every November for over 20 years, West Side Campaign Against Hunger has been providing turkeys and healthy food so that every family can enjoy a Thanksgiving Holiday meal together.
See details below about this year’s event:
Event Date & Time
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
10:00am – 12:00pm
Event Address
Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew,
263 West 86th Street
Event Details
This year, West Side Campaign Against Hunger aims to distribute turkeys and other holiday foods to more than 10,000 families.
Turkeys are distributed during its regular shopping hours.
If you are in need of these services, you can register with the pantry by visiting the location, or by calling 212-362-3662 Ext. 126, or emailing socialservices@wscah.org.
For more information, visit the Event Page.
Gardiner Foundation Turkey Giveaway – Fordham, the Bronx
In past years, this organization has distributed 1,100 turkeys, plus trimmings, to the community through its annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway.
See details below:
Event Date & Time
Saturday, November 18, 2023
9:00am
Event Address
St. James Park
193rd Street & Morris Ave
Bronx, NY 10468
Event Details
In past years, this organization has distributed 1,100 turkeys, plus trimmings, to the community through its annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway.
For more information, visit the Event Page.
Annual Free Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway – Brooklyn, NY
The Real Word Ministries is hosting their annual Free Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway for the 2023 holiday season.
Event Date & Time
Sunday, November 19, 2023
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Event Address
Brooklyn Junction
2201 Nostrand Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210
Event Details
Join the Real Word Ministries for their Annual Free Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at Brooklyn Junction off Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. Mark your calendars and bring your friends and family along for a day filled with gratitude and delicious food. Their goal is to give away at 200 free Thanksgiving Turkeys this year.
To register or for more information, visit the Event Page.
Reaching-Out Community Services’ Operation Gobbler Give – Brooklyn, NY
This Brooklyn-based community organization, Reaching Out Community Services is providing free turkeys and Thanksgiving trimmings to over 700 families this 2023 holiday season.
The details for Operation Gobbler Give 2023 are included below:
Event Date & Time
Monday, November 20, 2023
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Event Address
7708 New Utrecht Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11214
Event Details
The organization will distribute turkeys & the trimming to over 700 families who are registered with their Food program only. (Not open to the general public).
If you are interested in one of its Thanksgiving Day meals, you must be registered with their food program. Call 917-509-9055 for additional help.
For more information, visit the Event Page.
Community Turkey Giveaway – Bronx, NY
The Bronx Jewish Center is hosting their annual Free Community Turkey Giveaway for the 2023 holiday season.
Event Date & Time
Sunday, November 19, 2023
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Event Address
Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association
2141 Holland Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
Event Details
Join the Bronx Jewish Center for their Community Turkey Giveaway sponsored by Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association. Turkeys are distributed on a first come first serve basis, so be sure to get there early – while supplies last!
To register or for more information, visit the Event Page.
NYSoM ThanksgivingPalooza 2023
Join the NYSoM for their annual ThanksgivingPalooza event! They will distribute turkeys and other Thanksgiving food items for those in the community.
NYSOM Group is an organization dedicated to ending the cycle of poverty in the New York City Metropolitan Area.
Turkeys will be distributed FIRST COME FIRST SERVE as well as other Thanksgiving food items.
Get all the event details below:
Event Date & Time
Saturday, November 18, 2023
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Event Address
Ridgewood Savings Bank
65-01 Myrtle Avenue
Queens, NY 11385
Event Registration
Free Turkey Giveaway with Nikki Lucas Assembly – Brooklyn, NY
Join the Community United: Free Turkey Giveaway with Nikki Lucas Assembly, a heartwarming event that combines the power of community, giving, and partnership.
You’re invited to collect your free turkey between 11 AM and 2 PM, while supplies last.
Be a part of this unforgettable day and experience the spirit of community.
The details for the 2023 Free Turkey Giveaway are included below:
Event Date & Time
Saturday, November 18, 2023
11:00am – 2:00pm
Event Address
369 New Lots Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11207
Event Details
See the event page for more information.
Register online for your Free Turkey here.
RISE Rockaway Free Thanksgiving Feast
On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, RISE hosts a special Rockaway Thanksgiving Feast that is FREE for all who attend.
The Thanksgiving meal is a time to give thanks and celebrate our amazing community of family, friends, and neighbors.
The meal includes all the Thanksgiving favorites, prepared by local Rockaway partners:
- Batesy’s BBQ
- Cassey’s Cookies & Cobblers
- Cuisine by Claudette
- La Cevicheria
- Rockaway Beach Bakery
- Rockaway Food Initiative
You must register in advance. No more than three registrations per household.
See event details below:
Event Date & Time
Saturday, November 18, 2023
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Event Address
RISE
58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard
Far Rockaway, NY 11692
Registration Details
Register online to attend here.
Please contact us at info@riserockaway.org if you wish to attend.
DOROT’s Thanksgiving Meal Delivery – Upper West Side
DOROT’s Thanksgiving Meal Delivery brings hundreds of older adults and volunteers together to share warmth and companionship.
The program provides homebound seniors in Westchester and Manhattan with a free Thanksgiving meal to enjoy this 2023 holiday season.
Event Dates
Sunday, November 19, 2023 (Manhattan & Westchester)
Event Locations
Manhattan: Upper West Side at DOROT (171 W. 85th Street) & East Side at Central Synagogue (123 E. 55th Street)
Westchester: DOROT Westchester (925 Westchester Avenue)
Details
See the event page here for details.
Xavier Mission Thanksgiving Dinner – Chelsea
The Xavier Mission is hosting their free Thanksgiving Dinner for the community this 2023 holiday season.
In all, they provide nearly 4,000 meals during the holiday week.
While this meal is traditionally geared toward the elderly and disabled, no one is turned away from the holiday celebration.
See details below:
Event Date & Time
Thursday, November 23, 2023
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Event Address
55 W 15th Street (Between 5th & 6th Ave.)
New York, NY 10011
Event Details
Each year for the Thanksgiving holiday, Xavier Mission provides:
- A Thanksgiving Day dinner for disabled and senior members of our community
- Dinner delivery to homebound community members
- Food baskets (including turkeys!) to our Food Pantry families
- A special Thanksgiving Welcome Table lunch the Sunday following the holiday
The meal is generally attended by senior and disabled guests of our Welcome Table and St. Francis Xavier communities. However, no one is turned away!
Registration Details
If you are homebound, please call or email the Director of Outreach (rdelatorre@xaviermission.org or 212-627-2100, x211) to schedule a meal delivery for Thanksgiving Day.
Please note that they cannot guarantee the exact time of delivery, though it is usually between 11am and 1pm.
Free Turkey Giveaway in New York for 2023
There are several organizations that are hosting free turkey giveaways in New York for the 2023 holiday season.
Their goal is to provide families in-need with groceries and food items for their own Thanksgiving meal.
Here are some of the organizations in New York that are offering free turkeys this year:
- United Way 211
- Local Food Pantries
- Local Charities & Non-profits
- Riverfund Charity
- Religious Organizations
- Meals on Wheels
- Local Shelters
- Salvation Army
- Feeding America
- Local Grocery Stores (BJ’s Wholesale, Weis, ShopRite, etc.)
Holiday Food Assistance Programs in New York City
We hope this guide on all the organizations offering free Thanksgiving dinner in New York City this year was helpful.
We will continue to update this post as more opportunities for free Thanksgiving dinner in New York City are announced.
Be sure to check out our list of Free Christmas Assistance Programs in New York City for 2023.
The holidays can easily become a financial burden for many low-income families living in New York City. Our goal is to help you navigate these difficult times and achieve financial security.
With that said, we would love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments if you found this information helpful and would like more articles like this!
New York City SNAP Eligibility Summary
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Live outside of New York City? Get a list of the organizations and programs in Free Thanksgiving Dinner in New York for 2023.
Questions?
If you have further questions about New York SNAP or EBT Card, please let us know in the comments section below.
Want to more holiday assistance information? Check out our NEW article on the FREE Christmas Assistance in New York for the 2023 Holiday Season.
Also, be sure to check out our other articles about NY SNAP and EBT, including:
New York EBT Deposit Dates for 2023
New York Food Stamp Income Limits for 2024
Get Free Admission with NY EBT Card
P-EBT Extension for NY for School Year
New York P-EBT Reload Update