How to get a free turkey near you

On November 22, 2024By Littum

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and families putting food on the table may be looking for a free or inexpensive way to do so.

Several grocery chains offer free holiday items, such as frozen turkeys, to customers who spend a minimum dollar amount or collect enough points. Others offer discounted holiday meals to feed an entire family.

When it comes to free food with no strings attached, food banks and pantries, soup kitchens and faith groups are great places to start this holiday season.

Here’s what you need to know about getting or discounts from retailers or finding free Thanksgiving ingredients or meals ahead of the holiday.

Feeding America

Feeding America, a national network of food banks and meal programs, offers an online tool where people can enter their zip code and find a food bank near them.

Search for a postcode on feedingamerica.org/need-help-find-food/thanksgiving.

Meals on wheels

Meals on Wheels also offers an online tool where people can enter their zip code and find a Meals on Wheels provider near them. Meals on Wheels provides programs and services to seniors around the country.

Search for a postcode on mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals.

Spend a minimum amount at these grocery stores, walk away with a free turkey

Several grocery chains across the country are offering free turkey specials ahead of Thanksgiving. Here are a few:

Acme Market: Spend at least $300 by November 28 and receive a coupon for a free frozen turkey from Signature Farms
Foodtown: Collect $400 on a Foodtown Club Card and receive a free store-brand turkey
Giant food stores: Earn 400 Rewards Points by November 28th and receive a free turkey (normally $1 is a point)
Hy-Vee: Buy a Hormel Cure 81 ham and receive a free Honeysuckle White frozen turkey throughout November
ShopRite: Spend at least $400 on a ShopRite Price Plus Club Card by November 28 and receive a free holiday item such as a Bowl & Basket turkey, Cook’s smoked ham, Empire fried chicken or Stouffer’s lasagna
Weis Markets: Collect 400 points by November 28th and receive a free holiday item such as a turkey, turkey breast, boneless ham or Tofurky’s vegan ham or roast turkey (generally $1 is a point)
WinCo Foods: Spend at least $125 on one purchase by November 27th and receive a free Honeysuckle White or Jennie-O Turkey

Discounted meal options

People looking to balance out a Thanksgiving meal should check out some discounted options at the following retailers:

Aldi Dinner package

What it includes: Turkey, spices and seasonings, gravy, rolls, macaroni and cheese and stuffing; Ingredients for Green Bean Casserole, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Pumpkin Pie and Sweet Potato Casserole
Cost: about $47 through November 27th
Portions: Feed 10

Walmart Holiday meal

What it includes: Frozen turkey, rolls, corn, cranberry sauce, gravy, pecan pie, condiments and seasonings; Ingredients for Green Bean and Sweet Potato Casserole
Cost: about $52 through December 24th
Portions: Feed 8

Goal Thanksgiving meal

What it includes: Frozen turkey, potatoes, cranberry sauce, turkey stuffing, gravy and green bean casserole ingredients
Cost: 20 USD
Portions: Feeds 4

Hooks Refreshing meal

What it includes: Frozen Turkey, Sweet Potato, Turkey Stuffing, Corn, Chicken Broth, Turkey Gravy, Mushroom Soup, Crispy French Onions, Baby Carrots and Rolls
Cost: around $27
Portions: Feed 10

Meijer Luxury Turkey dinner

What it includes: Turkey, cranberries, green bean stew, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy
Cost: 60 USD
Portions: Feed 6

Sam’s club Thanksgiving meal

What it includes: Turkey, dinner rolls, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, Brussels sprouts, cranberry crunch salad and sweet mashed potatoes
Cost: $100
Portions: Feed 10

Greta Cross is a national trends reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].