Where to get a free meal this Thanksgiving in Rockford
More than 40 million people in the United States experience food insecurity, including those in the Rockford area who will go without a Thanksgiving meal this year.
That is why several organizations will be providing free Thanksgiving dinners for anyone in the community.
Here are some of them.
Rockford Rescue Mission
The mission will host its annual Thanksgiving Banquet the day before Thanksgiving. Meals include turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans and a pie.
Time: Noon
Date: Nov. 22
Address: 715 W. State St., Rockford
Court Street United Methodist Church
Court Street United Methodist Church will hold its 42nd free Thanksgiving feast on Thanksgiving Day. The drive-through operation serves up turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and more. Carryout available.
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Date: Nov. 23
Address: 215 N. Court St., Rockford
More: Rockford church will feed more than 1,000 this Thanksgiving. Here's how it comes together
Auburn High School
Founded by NBA All-Star Fred VanVleet, the VanVleet Family Foundation will be giving away turkeys and all the trimmings this Sunday at Auburn High School.
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Date: Nov. 19
Address: 5110 Auburn St., Rockford
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Part of the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Holiday Meal Box Program, free Thanksgiving meal packages feed six to eight people. Each package includes a turkey, ham or meatless option and all the trimmings: stuffing, turkey gravy, corn, green beans, dry pinto beans, dry potatoes, cranberry sauce, hot cocoa, dessert mix, and canned yams. Meals will be distributed throughout November and December.
Time: 1 to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday
Date: Throughout November and December
Address: 766 Research Parkway, Rockford
Miss Carly's
Miss Carly's will be serving free turkey sandwiches all day on Thanksgiving. There will also be free coffee.
Time: All day
Date: Nov. 23
Address: 1125 5th Ave., Rockford
Northwest Community Center
The Kendel Sherman Foundation will host a free community Thanksgiving dinner this Saturday at the Northwest Community Center in Rockford.
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Date: Nov. 18
Address: 325 N. Johnston Ave., Rockford
The Father's House Church
The Father’s House will host its free Thanksgiving dinner the day before Thanksgiving. The meal includes turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and more. The event also serves as the church’s annual Coats/Warm Clothing Giveaway.
Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
Date: Nov. 22
Address: 302 W. Stephenson St., Freeport
Did we miss any? Let us know, and we will add them to the list.
Jim Hagerty covers business and other general news topics for the Rockford Register Star. Email him at jhagerty@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Where to get a free meal this Thanksgiving in Rockford
