Thanksgiving can be a difficult time for those struggling with food insecurity in the South Bay. As the costs of housing, schooling, and basic necessities continues to rise, it becomes increasingly difficult to afford a warm meal, let alone one that’s family-sized.
Whether you’ve fallen on hard times, are looking for a supportive community, or find yourself alone during the holiday season, we’ve got you covered with some free local options for Thanksgiving.
🥬 Ingredients
Sacred Heart | Monday, Nov. 20-Wednesday, Nov. 22 | Times vary | 1381 S. First St.
Continuing their yearly goal of giving out 8,000+ free turkeys this year, Sacred Heart will be distributing ingredients at their drop-off locations during the week of Thanksgiving. Note: they do require you to sign up for their SHCS member card to participate.
Martha’s Kitchen | Tuesday, Nov. 21 | 5-6 p.m. | 311 Willow St.
In addition to their full meal services, Martha’s Kitchen will be giving out groceries for those in need, including traditional Thanksgiving fare of nutritious meat and produce.
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley | Drop off, pick up days by request | Times vary | 80 locations
Partnering with multiple organizations throughout the South Bay and beyond, Second Harvest has multiple options for ingredients — and even offer home delivery. Check out their map to find a drop-off location near you.
Martha’s Kitchen partner MidPen Housing provides meals for the needy year-round.
Photo courtesy @marthaskitchensj
🥧 Meals
Martha’s Kitchen | Monday, Nov. 20-Wednesday, Nov. 22 | Times vary | 311 Willow St.
In addition to their daily meal schedule, the organization will offer a lunch on Monday, and turkey, mashed potatoes + veggies during their dinner services on Tuesday (to-go) and Wednesday (dine-in).
Loaves & Fishes | Monday, Nov. 20-Wednesday, Nov. 22 | Times vary | 19 locations
Primarily serving the unhoused and lower-income families, this organization has over 100 locations throughout Santa Clara County. Meals are prepared to-go five days a week at the Goodwill Industries on North Seventh Street + at Piedmont Hills High School.
Diocese of San Jose | Thursday, Nov. 23 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m | 279 S. Main St., Milpitas
The annual, traditional turkey dinner is hosted by the Knights of Columbus. You do not have to be a member of the church to join.
CityTeam San Jose | Monday, Nov. 20-Friday, Nov. 24 | 9:15 a.m.-5 p.m. | 580 Charles St.
CityTeam’s dining hall and shelter is offering hot meals during the entire Thanksgiving week. Their “Hope on Wheels” food truck will also be offering food to various encampments throughout the South Bay.
Salvation Army Silicon Valley | Monday, Nov 20-Friday, Nov. 24 | Times vary | 3 locations
The organization is offering multiple free meals during Thanksgiving week. Along with a free honeyed ham and hot meals (served 5:15 p.m.-6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 20) at Emmanuel House, they’ll also offer a senior Thanksgiving luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at their Senior Center on North Fourth Street. Additionally, prepared sack-lunches will be distributed on Thanksgiving Day, 5 p.m.-6 p.m., at Emmanuel House.