Where to Find Free Turkey Dinners and Grocery Relief in Austin

Central Texas Food Bank conducts an emergency relief food distribution in April. (photo by David Brendan Hall)

As we head into Thanksgiving week, we’ve gathered a list of organizations distributing holiday dinners and emergency grocery relief for Austinites in need between now and Turkey Day.

Some T-Day events, like H-E-B’s Feast of Sharing, have been canceled due to COVID-19 precautions, while others have modified their operations for drive-through or walk-up distribution. And if you’re in the position to volunteer, many of these orgs need assistance with setup, cleanup, and in some cases meal delivery, which we’ve also noted.

Givens Thanksgiving Dinner & Food Giveaway

Bags of groceries will be distributed via walk-ups.
Thu., Nov. 19, 11am-3pm. Givens Recreation Park, 3811 E. 12th.
www.austintexas.gov

Emergency Relief Food Distribution

Central Texas Food Bank’s events are primarily designed as drive-throughs, but you’re also able to receive groceries via walk-up if you don’t have a vehicle. Additionally, at Monday’s distribution, AISD will be providing meal packs for kids, which includes meals for seven days, to cover the holiday break.
Travis County Expo Center (7311 Decker): Thu., Nov. 19, 9am-noon
Del Valle High School (5301 Ross Rd.): Sat., Nov. 21, 9am-noon
Toney Burger Activity Center (3200 Jones): Mon., Nov. 23, 9am-noon.
www.centraltexasfoodbank.org

LBJ High School Thanksgiving Meal and Harvest Fest

Meals will be distributed via a drive-through at the bus loop to take home.
Thu., Nov. 19, 5-7pm. LBJ High School, 7309 Lazy Creek Dr.
www.lbjechsaustinisd.org

Hands For Hope

El Buen Samaritano’s annual event aims to provide holiday meals to 1,750 families. Make a contribution online or sign up to volunteer on distribution day.
Sat., Nov. 21. El Buen Samaritano, 7000 Woodhue, 512/474-4448.
www.elbuen.org

Thanksgiving Drive-Through Dinner

The Dove Springs Recreation Advisory Board will distribute food baskets, including turkey, pie, and trimmings, while supplies last.
Sat., Nov. 21, 9-11am. Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez.
www.austintexas.gov

A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center Thanksgiving Dinner

300 meal boxes will be distributed through a no-contact drive-through (vehicles only, no walk-ups accepted). Vehicles may line up beginning at 9:30am at the corner of Fourth and Robert Martinez Jr. St.
Sat., Nov. 21, 10am-2pm. A.B. Cantu/Pan American Recreation Center, 2100 E. Third.
www.austintexas.gov

Mobile Loaves and Fishes Pre-Thanksgiving Meal

This year’s meal will be distributed outside in to-go containers to be consumed off-site. Haircuts and flu shots also offered.
Mon., Nov. 23, 5:30pm. First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity.
www.mlf.org

Mission Possible Thanksgiving

Lend a hand to those experiencing homelessness this year by donating to Mission Possible’s Great Thanksgiving Banquet fund. Donations of $6 cover the cost of one meal, and $10 can provide a sleeping bag. The banquet is held on Sun., Nov. 22.
Donation deadline: Sat., Nov. 21
Banquet (I-35 & Seventh St.): Sun., Nov. 22, 10am.
www.mpaustin.org/give

Bethany United Methodist Church Thanksgiving Meals Delivery

At least 80 volunteers are needed to help deliver meals to families. Volunteers will pick up meals curbside at Bethany UMC and then drop them off for a contactless delivery.
Sun., Nov. 22, 12:30-3pm. Bethany United Methodist Church, 10010 Anderson Mill.
www.bethany-umc.org

Operation Turkey

Register online to help cook, package, and deliver food to those in need. The goal is to prepare 75,000 meals this year, so every hand helps. Request a meal online by Nov. 20. (expected delivery between 10am-1pm).
Meal prep: Wed., Nov. 25; meal delivery: Thu., Nov. 26. Citywide.
www.operationturkey.com/locations/austin

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