Here's where to find free Thanksgiving meals this year in Arizona
Although Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States, it can be a challenge for families struggling with food insecurity who can't afford to put food on the table. Luckily, a number of organizations are hosting Thanksgiving events that will provide food for free in locations across Arizona to help as many people feast as possible. Here's where to find them.
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul
When: Year-round.
Where: Your home.
What's happening: The Society of St. Vincent De Paul will be delivering food boxes, thrift store gift cards, and utility bill and rent assistance gathered through its community's food pantries to families' doorsteps during the holiday. The boxes will include turkeys starting Nov. 21, after the food bank completes its turkey drive.
St. Vincent public relations and brand manager Marisol Saldivar says families can use this map to find the food pantry that serves its neighborhood. Simply type in your address into the search bar, and Google Maps will show the pantry service boundaries, hours and phone number. Families can call the corresponding number to arrange the delivery.
As every pantry is run by volunteers, each one will have varying operating hours. If there is not a food pantry in your neighborhood, you can dial 2-1-1-Arizona to get connected with another community service provider in your area.
The Salvation Army
When: Nov. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: 33 S. Third St., Phoenix.
What's happening: Salvation Army is offering free, sit-down community meals in the Phoenix Convention Center's South Building. The event will also provide entertainment and won't require identification or a sign-up, according to the organization's website. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the meal service begins at 11:30.
Uniting Arizona, Tucson
When: Thursday, Nov. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: Santa Rita Park located at 401 E. 22nd St.
What to expect: Uniting Arizona will provide a Thanksgiving feast for those in Tucson experiencing homelessness. Turkey dinner, drinks, dessert and free resources such as shoes and clothing will also be provided.
Uniting Arizona is accepting volunteers and donations for this event. Contact Crisann at 520-609-9965 or by email at Crisannblack@unitingarizona.org to get involved.
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Gospel Rescue Mission
When: Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 3901 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson.
What's happening: Gospel Rescue Mission is hosting its 35th annual Thanksgiving Banquet and its second hybrid version of the event at the H.S. Lopez Family Foundation Center of Opportunity. The organization's Facebook invitation says guests can either drive through to pick up a meal and other resources or eat on-site at a sit-down banquet. There will be entertainment, fun activities and more at the event.
St. Mary's Food Bank
Where: 2831 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix, and 1050 W. Elm St., Surprise.
When: Nov. 20-22, from 8 a.m. to noon.
What's happening: An "army" of 500 volunteers and staff will be distributing turkeys each morning at St. Mary's Phoenix and Surprise locations. Jerry Brown, the spokesperson for St. Mary's, says they intend to distribute more than 20,000 turkeys, food boxes and produce boxes.
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United Food Bank
When: Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 263 N. Center St., Mesa.
What's happening: The United Food Bank is hosting a Thanksgiving distribution drive-thru at the Mesa Convention Center. According to the organization's website, it will provide families in the East Valley with a variety of nutritious holiday food items, such as a turkey, produce boxes and a shelf-stable holiday bag. A walk-up service will also be available for those without a vehicle.
Guajoloton Gracias Arizona
When: 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 18.
Where: Barrio Unidos Park, 1501 E. Mohave St., Phoenix.
What's happening: Prensa Arizona will be distributing 1,000 turkeys on Nov. 18 at Barrio Unidos Park in Phoenix. There will also be giveaways, activities, health checks food, live entertainment and lucha libre wrestling. Mayor Kate Gallego is confirmed to attend the event from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
Rosendin Foundation and Save the Family
Where: Save the Family Campus, 125 E. University Drive, Mesa.
When: Nov. 20, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
What's happening: The Rosendin Foundation, Save the Family Foundation and Mesa companies are coming together to present a Thanksgiving event to give back to families struggling with homelessness and food insecurity. There will be gift baskets with nonperishable food and a $75 gift card for families to use for perishable food.
Lerner and Rowe Law Group
Lerner and Rowe will be hosting numerous drive-thru Thanksgiving giveaways across Arizona where free food packages will be provided to families to help them make a traditional holiday meal. According to the firm's website, these are to be non-contact events, so families are asked to open their trunk or a side door to allow volunteers to easily place items inside. Each package will be handed out per vehicle, on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. There will be 500 packages distributed in Bullhead City and 750 packages in Yuma.
Bullhead City
When: Nov. 14 at noon (while supplies last).
Where: Bullhead City Community Park, 1251 AZ-95, Bullhead City.
Yuma
When: Nov. 15, at noon (while supplies last).
Where: Yuma County Fairgrounds, 2520 E. 32nd St., Yuma.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Free Thanksgiving food in metro Phoenix: Here's where to get help
