With the rise in prices and reported supply chain issues this year, many Americans will be facing food insecurities this holiday season. To meet the needs, many community organizations are stepping up to help stave off the lingering effects of the pandemic.
The Salvation Army recently announced it was once again partnering with the Thielen Foundation and Hy-Vee to distribute 200 Thanksgiving dinners. “The pandemic has given rise to evolving challenges like inflation, food shortages, and evictions, and this gesture will help provide some hope to those who are in dire need of it,” said Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings, commander of The Salvation Army’s Northern Division.
“We want to thank Hy-Vee for supplying these meals, and we thank The Salvation Army for again helping to get these dinners into the hands of families in need,” said Adam Thielen, Thielen Foundation president and Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver.
Families who are in need of food assistance this holiday should contact their nearest Salvation Army service center for more information:
- Brooklyn Park Salvation Army, 10011 Noble Parkway, 763-425-0517
- Maplewood Salvation Army, 2080 Woodlynn Ave., 651-779-9177
- North Minneapolis Salvation Army, 2024 Lyndale Ave. N., 612-522-4871
- Northeast Minneapolis Salvation Army, 2727 Central Ave. NE, 612-789-2858
- South Minneapolis Salvation Army, 1604 E. Lake St., 612-721-1513
- St. Paul Eastside Salvation Army, 1019 Payne Ave., 651-776-8169
- St. Paul West 7th Salvation Army, 401 W. 7th St., 651-224-4316
Below we’ve compiled a list of more opportunities to find community meals in the Twin Cities and beyond. Let us know of more meals in the comment section.
Thanksgiving for All Project
Mounds View residents in need of a turkey and fixings can get an assist by calling the Ralph Reeder Food at 651-621-6280 throughout the entire month of November. The program is only available to Mounds View Public School District Residents.
November 17, 18, 19
The Shiloh Cares Food Shelf Turkey Giveaway
10 am-2:30 pm @1201 West Broadway, Mpls.
The community is invited to this three-day turkey giveaway. Each family will receive one turkey and must register on-site for the food shelf. The giveaway is on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Info: Call 612-302-1463 or email shilohcaresfood@gmail.com
November 18-20
Thanksgiving Giveaway
4:30 pm, Nov. 18-19; 10 am, Nov. 20 @ River Heights Vineyard, 6070 Cahill Ave. E., Inver Grove Heights
River Heights Vineyard Church is once again giving away free baskets of food to make a Thanksgiving meal, as well as gently used clothing. There will also be limited childcare and activities for the kids.
Info: www.riverheightsvineyard.org
November 20
Thanksgiving Basket of Blessings
10-11 am @ Living Word, 9201 75th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park
Living Word Church is offering 1,000 Thanksgiving baskets comprised of turkey breasts, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, cornbread stuffing mix, turkey gravy, sweet potatoes, whipped topping, corn, green beans, and dinner rolls. The holiday meal will serve 4-6 people. Registration is required at www.lwcc.org/outreach.
Info: Email Geri Miller at geri.miller@lwcc.org or call 763-315-7142
November 20
Joy Community Service Drive-Through Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
10 am – 12 pm @ 810 31st St. W., Mpls
Joy Community Service is giving away turkeys again this year. Everyone is welcome. You don’t need to sign up, all you need is to show up. Food will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.
Info: www.joycommunityservice.org
November 20
Free Drive-Through Grocery Event
10 am – 12:30 pm @ Roseville Public Works Building, 2660 Civic Center Dr., Roseville
Participants will receive fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry foods—perfect items to complement your Thanksgiving meal. Each household will receive 30-45 lbs. of food. Registration is required for this event.
Info: Register at keystoneservices.org or call 651-645-0349.
November 20
100 Turkey Giveaway
12 pm @ George Floyd Square, 38th & Chicago in South Mpls
Enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and music, plus 100 turkeys will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.
Info: Email Tommy McBrayer at tommymcbrayer@outlook.com
November 20
Thanksgiving Outreach
12-3 pm @ 1812 Park Avenue South, Mpls.
Life Center volunteers will serve up meals and over 300 turkeys at this annual gathering, while supplies last.
Info: www.changingourcity.org/events or call 612-870-0000
November 20
Tru Breed 12th Annual Turkey Giveaway
1 pm @ 2038 W. Broadway, N., Mpls
Tru Breed & Eternal Kingz will once again gift turkeys to community members on a first-come, first-served basis.
Info: Facebook.com/TRUBREEDMC
November 20
Tommy’s 5th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Feast and Award Ceremony
5-7 pm @ Central Green Gym, 3414 4th Ave. S., Mpls.
Billed as a simple gathering of family, friends, and new faces, this annual feel-good event offers food, festivities, and an award ceremony to honor people making a positive impact in the community.
Info: Email tommymcbrayer@outlook.com
November 22-23
Thanksgiving Food Distribution
11:30 am – 1:00 pm @ Union Gospel Mission, Men’s Campus, 435 University Ave. E., St. Paul.
Community members who have registered beforehand will be able to pick up a free bag of Thanksgiving food, including a frozen turkey, potatoes, and non-perishables. Register here.
Info: www.ugmtc.org/2021/11/serving-the-community-at-thanksgiving
November 22-23
Give a Gobble Thanksgiving Food Distribution
1-7 pm @ White Bear Area Food Shelf, 1884 Whitaker St., White Bear Lake
The Thanksgiving tradition Give A Gobble is back for another year of giving. Like last year, the food distribution will be held on two days. Participants can expect all the fixings for a healthy Thanksgiving ready for pick-up including a frozen turkey along with the traditional sides, fresh produce, and pie.
Family and friends may pick up for others but each family needs to sign up individually for an appointment at this link.
Info: whitebearfoodshelf.org/2021/11/give-a-gobble-2021 or call 651-407-5310.
Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
4-6 pm @ The Harold Mezile North Community YMCA, 1711 West Broadway Ave. N., Minneapolis
Receive a free turkey by registering at the front desk. All are welcome.
November 25
Thanksgiving Community Dinner
2-5 pm @ Faith Deliverance Holiness Church, 1119 Morgan Ave. N., Mpls.
Start ANew, Faith Deliverance Holiness Church, Minnehaha Temple #129, Resource, Justice & Management, and Families of Color have joined forces to once again host a Thanksgiving dinner for the community. All are welcome to attend.
Info: StartAnewMN.org or call 612-389-0008.
November 25
5th Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal
12 pm @ Fellowship Church, 707 Commerce Dr., Woodbury
You don’t have to spend Thanksgiving dinner alone, as the Fellowship Church is offering free food, fellowship, and fun. All you have to bring is your appetite. This meal is not just intended to meet the needs of those with food insecurities—but to ensure that no one spends Thanksgiving Day alone. Transportation is available upon request. Call Pastor Tim Brewington at 404-384-6441 or email pastortim@thefellowshipmn.org.
Info: Facebook/5th Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal
Know of more events or resources? Let us know in the comment section or send an email to msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.
Support Black local news
Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.