Free Thanksgiving Turkeys
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, not only because of the delicious food but because of the sense of warmth and community it brings.
However, there have been times in my life when I needed a little extra help to prepare a proper Thanksgiving dinner for my family.
I have learned over the years that there are numerous resources available and I am grateful to share my experience on how I was able to get free Thanksgiving dinners and turkeys near me.
Places That You Can Visit to Get a Free Turkey This Year
Turkey is the main dish of most Thanksgiving meals, and we’ve grown accustomed to it being a budget-friendly purchase, especially as the holiday approaches.
The average price per pound for a whole turkey is $1.27 per pound.
While Thanksgiving may be cheaper this year, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for deals every chance you get. And the good news is that consumers still have plenty of options when it comes to scoring cheap and even free Thanksgiving turkeys.
Below, we’ve listed some of the best deals in 2023 to ensure you have that delicious bird as a centerpiece on your Thanksgiving table.
Free Turkeys and Meals for Thanksgiving Giveaways
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting, but the cost of a turkey can be very high. Luckily, several stores offer free turkeys with a qualifying purchase, making it easier to enjoy the holiday without spending a fortune. Here are some options:
1. Acme Markets
Acme Markets is offering a free frozen turkey (10-22 pounds) or turkey breast (4-7 pounds) when you spend at least $300 in-store and clip the digital coupon. Be sure to check their website or app for the latest promotions.
2. Albertsons
Albertsons shoppers who spend $100 or more can get a free turkey (up to 20 pounds). If you spend at least $50, you can get a turkey for 59 cents a pound.
3. BJ’s Wholesale Club
From November 1-14, BJ’s shoppers who spend $150 or more (both in-store and online) will receive a digital coupon for a free whole Butterball turkey (fresh or frozen) worth up to $25. The coupon can be redeemed from November 16-27.
4. Foodtown
Foodtown Club cardholders who spend $400 or more between now and Thanksgiving can get a free frozen turkey (10-20 pounds). If you prefer, you can also choose a $10 gift card or get reduced prices on select holiday meats.
5. Giant Direct
Giant food stores are offering a free turkey when you accumulate 400 CHOICE points by November 23. You can redeem these points for a Giant or Shady Brook Farms brand frozen turkey (up to 20 pounds), or get $1 off per pound on any other fresh or frozen turkey.
6. ButcherBox
Sign up for ButcherBox and receive a free 10- to 14-pound turkey with your first delivery through November 19.
Where Can I Get a Turkey for Cheap?
Thanksgiving is a time of celebration, but buying a turkey can be expensive, especially if you’re on a budget. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to find a reasonably priced turkey. Here are some tips and places you can get a cheap turkey this Thanksgiving season.
1. Local Grocery Stores and Holiday Deals
Many grocery stores offer seasonal discounts on turkeys in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Look for weekly store ads or circulars, which often include details about turkey deals, including special holiday pricing or discounts when you spend a certain amount on other groceries. Here are some stores known for good turkey deals:
✔️Walmart: Walmart often offers low prices on turkeys during the holiday season. Check their weekly ads or app for deals and savings.
✔️Kroger: Kroger often runs “buy more, save more” promotions on turkeys. They sometimes offer a discounted or free turkey if you spend a certain amount on other groceries.
✔️Aldi: Aldi is known for its affordable prices, and turkeys are no exception. Prices here can be significantly lower, especially for basic turkey options.
✔️Target: Target offers seasonal discounts and occasionally has promotions for a cheaper turkey price if you use the Target Circle app.
- Also read: Churches That Give Out Food Boxes Near Me
2. Wholesale Clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s)
If you have a membership at a wholesale club like Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s, you can usually find turkeys at a discounted price per pound. These stores sell frozen and fresh turkeys in bulk, which can save you money if you’re feeding a large group. While there is an upfront membership fee, the savings on turkey and other holiday groceries can often make it worth it.
3. Use Store Loyalty Programs
Many grocery stores have loyalty programs that offer members exclusive discounts, including lower prices on turkeys. By signing up for loyalty programs at stores like Safeway, Publix, or Albertsons, you can score special deals on turkeys and other Thanksgiving essentials. Some stores even offer free turkeys to loyalty program members who spend a certain amount on groceries over a few weeks.
4. Discount Grocery Stores
Discount grocery stores like Save-A-Lot and Food 4 Less are great places to look for affordable turkeys. These stores typically focus on budget-friendly options and often offer turkeys at lower prices than traditional grocery stores.
5. Frozen Turkeys for a Better Deal
If you don’t mind freezing your turkey ahead of time, buying a frozen turkey is often more affordable than buying a fresh one. Many stores sell frozen turkeys at a lower price per pound, especially if you buy them a few weeks before Thanksgiving. Just be sure to defrost it in time for the holidays!
6. Online grocery delivery services and deals
Several online grocery delivery services, such as Instacart or Amazon Fresh, often have deals on turkeys around the holidays. Sometimes, you can find promo codes or discounts for new users or even lower prices on frozen turkeys. This is convenient if you want to compare prices from different stores without leaving your home.
7. Shop at local farmers markets and butcher shops
Some local farmers’ markets and butcher shops may offer turkeys at competitive prices. You may find a better deal if you buy directly from local sources, especially if they offer discounts on whole birds. This is also a great way to support local farms, although it may be a bit more expensive than grocery stores, depending on your area.
8. Look for turkey coupons or vouchers
Around the holidays, some grocery stores and organizations offer turkey coupons or vouchers that can help lower the cost. These vouchers are often available through loyalty programs, online savings apps, or specific holiday promotions. Check popular coupon apps like Ibotta, Coupons.com, or your store’s app for turkey discounts and rebates.
9. Food Assistance Programs and Local Charities
If you’re facing financial hardship, some food banks, churches, and community organizations offer turkeys or Thanksgiving meals to those in need. Programs like Feeding America have food banks that assist, and local charities can arrange donations.
- Also read: Churches That Give Out Food Boxes Near Me
Free Thanksgiving Turkey and Dinners for Low-income Families in Need
If you or someone you know can’t afford to spend the money to get a free turkey at the grocery stores mentioned above, you can look for help in your community.
Food Banks and Pantries
One of the first places I checked was my local food bank. Food banks and community pantries often provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need, complete with turkeys, sides, and sometimes even desserts. I called my local food bank a few weeks before Thanksgiving to see if they had any holiday distributions planned and was directed to their calendar and locations.
To find my local food banks, I visited the Feeding America website, which has a directory of food banks across the United States. Once I found mine, I made sure to follow their instructions on when and where to pick up food.
Home-Delivered Meals
Many Home-Delivered Meals providers have a program specifically for the holiday season, such as this Home-Delivered Thanksgiving Meals program that was offered in Minneapolis-St. Paul last year. These meals consist of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, peas, corn, cranberries, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie, and milk. They are delivered right to your home and are available to all families and people in need, not just seniors.
Churches and Faith-Based Organizations
Several churches in my community also offer free Thanksgiving meals. Many of them host annual events where they give out free turkeys or offer full Thanksgiving dinners for families. By reaching out to a few nearby churches, I was able to learn about their holiday meal programs. In some cases, they even delivered meals to people who were unable to attend the event, which was incredibly thoughtful.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army also offers free Thanksgiving dinners to those in need. Each program is run locally, so you’ll want to look for your local chapter.
United Way
United Way chapters also host turkey drives to help families in need. You can search for your local United Way chapter or you can use the United Way 211 resource to contact a representative who may be able to help you find free turkeys or meals in your area.
Local Charities
Another great way to find free Thanksgiving dinners is through charities dedicated to helping those in need. The Salvation Army, for example, hosts holiday meal programs and food distributions in many areas. By visiting my local Salvation Army branch and checking their website, I found that they offered Thanksgiving dinners and sometimes even food vouchers to help me cover other expenses.
Free Holiday Food Boxes Near Me
To find free holiday food boxes near you, start by contacting local food banks, churches, and community centers, as they often host holiday meal programs.
You can also check with charities like the Salvation Army and United Way, or visit websites like Feeding America to find food assistance in your area. Community forums and social media groups may also have local listings for holiday food distribution events.
My Experience on Thanksgiving Day
Thanks to the resources and help of my community, I was able to prepare a full Thanksgiving dinner for my family, complete with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and even a pumpkin pie. The experience not only taught me about the generosity around me but also the importance of community during the holiday season.
As we gathered around the table, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Receiving help was a humbling experience, but it also motivated me to give when I could. Now, I make it a point to volunteer at local food banks or make donations during the holiday season whenever I can.
