Where you can find free turkeys or Thanksgiving meals in Indianapolis and Central Indiana

Emma Quasny, Indianapolis Star
·3 min read
A woman carries a turkey ahead of Thanksgiving. Millions of turkeys have died this year as a result of a bird flu outbreak that has spread across the country, which is significantly raising prices of the birds ahead of the holiday dinner.

With inflation increasing over the past year, groceries and other everyday goods are pricier than ever – which brings into question the cost of a Thanksgiving meal.

During this time last year, something that would cost $1 is now $1.10. This means the cumulative rate of inflation for all items is 10% more than it was in 2021. In a report released on Nov. 10 by the U.S. Inflation Calculator, the U.S. government reported a 10.9% inflation on just food alone in 2022.

A turkey that was priced at $1.15 per pound in 2021 is now $1.99 – a 73% increase in price – according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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For some, finding an affordable Thanksgiving meal could be more difficult this year. Here are a few places around Indianapolis and Central Indiana that provide free Thanksgiving turkeys or meals.

Feast of Plenty

What: The Lisa Muegge Feast of Plenty will hold its annual Thanksgiving Day celebration by providing meal delivery and carry-out for residents.

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 24

Where: Hancock County 4-H building, 620 N. Apple St., Greenfield

More: For all meal and grocery requests, residents can call 317-335-7590. Those looking to volunteer and make donations can visit feastofplentyoutreach.com to register.

Good Samaritan Network

What: A Thanksgiving Day drive-thru meal will be provided at three Hamilton County sites for those looking for a free meal. All assistance is first come, first served to Hamilton County residents.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 24

Where: White River Christian Church, 1685 N. 10th St., Noblesville; Sheridan Community Center 300 E. 6th St., Sheridan; St. Louis de Montfort 11441 Hague Road, Fishers.

More: Good Samaritan Network will provide deliveries for elderly, disabled or otherwise homebound residents who have signed up for a Thanksgiving Day meal delivery. Deliveries are not guaranteed with an application. Visit gsnlive.org/holiday-assistance or call 317-842-2603 for more information.

Indy Parks free Thanksgiving Day meals

What: Community members Janet Easley and Bobbie Jones will be serving Thanksgiving meals while supplies last.

When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24

Where: Watkins Park, 2360 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.

More: Residents can pick up their meals, eat them at the park or call 317-327-7175 to have meals delivered.

Johnson Thanksgiving County Banquets

What: Johnson County Banquets invites all to a free drive-thru Thanksgiving banquet. Deliveries will be available to Johnson County residents only. To request a delivered meal, contact Johnson County Banquets as soon as possible.

When: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Nov. 24

Where: Scott Hall, 250 Fairground St., Franklin.

More: Contact TurkeyDinner@JohnsonCountyBanquets.com or 317-662-0199 if you are homebound and would like a Thanksgiving meal delivered.

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Mozel Sanders Foundation

What: The Mozel Sanders Foundation will distribute meals to families and individuals on Thanksgiving Day while supplies last.

When: 10 a.m. till meals run out Nov. 24

Where: Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, 418 E. 34th St.; Roberts Park United Methodist Church, 401 N. Delaware St.; Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 1301 N. Goodlet Ave.; New Direction Church, 5330 E. 38th St..

More: Thanksgiving Day meals will be available at the above locations until they run out.

Plainfield's Free Thanksgiving Dinner

What: A free Thanksgiving dinner will be presented by Plainfield Christian Church for all. Dine-in, drive-thru and meal delivery will be available. No reservations are required for dine-in or drive-thru.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m Nov. 24

Where: Guilford Township Community Center at Hummel Park, 1500 S. Center St., Plainfield

More: Deliveries will be available to Guilford Township residents or those without transportation. Call 317-839-2384 to request delivery. All requests must be made by 4 p.m. Nov. 21.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Thanksgiving 2022: How you can find free meals around Central Indiana