Free Food and Turkey Giveaways in Dallas: A Guide to Thanksgiving 2024

Dallas, Texas – November 2024 — As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, many Dallas residents are looking for ways to provide a festive meal for their families without breaking the bank. Fortunately, a variety of organizations and community groups throughout the city are hosting events and giveaways in November, offering free food, turkeys, and other essential items to those in need.

Whether you’re looking for a full turkey dinner or just some extra groceries, Dallas has a number of options for residents to access holiday assistance. Here’s a rundown of some of the top places to get free food and turkeys in the city this November.

H-E-B Feast of Sharing Returns to Dallas

When: Friday, November 8, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Centennial Hall Fair Park, 1001 Washington St. Dallas, TX 75210

Feast of Sharing | Fair Park
Feast of Sharing Dallas, presented by H-E-B Central Market, is coming to Fair Park this holiday season to give thanks. The 18th Annual Holiday Dinner will occur inside the Automobile Building on November 8. The dinner is free and open to everyone!

FeastOfSharing_Dallas_Flyer

United Way’s Food & Health Resources Fair

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ Southern Dallas Thrives initiative and Goodr, a sustainable waste management and hunger relief company, will provide a holiday meal box to 1,000 southern sector families at this drive-through holiday meal distribution event.

As part of Southern Dallas Thrives’ food access efforts, this event seeks to ease the financial burden that the holidays present for many families. Pre-registered recipients will receive a holiday meal box that includes a Thanksgiving poultry and additional ingredients for sides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, November 16, 2024
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fair Park – 1010 First Ave., Dallas TX 75210

Only one registration is needed per family. Food & Health Resources Fair – United Way of Metropolitan Dallas

Drive-through grocery distribution (We recommend bringing a vehicle to pick up your meal box due to the amount and weight of the groceries.)
Health screenings for the entire family
Community resources and connections
Activities and games for the kids
Giveaways
Delicious food
And more!

North Texas Food Bank

Find out where to get free food or how you can give back this Thanksgiving.

Free Thanksgiving Dinners and Turkeys | Feeding America

Food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and faith groups are here to make the holiday season brighter. If you are looking for food, Thanksgiving meals are available to help make this holiday season a time of joy and togetherness.

Operation Turkey

Each year, Operation Turkey volunteers cook, prepare, pack, and deliver hot meals to numerous Texas communities. Each Thanksgiving meal includes traditional items such as turkey, stuffing, and vegetables.

Volunteer teams will deliver meals between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024.

To check to see if Operation Turkey serves your zip code, and to request a meal for everyone in your household, fill out the request form today:

2024 Meal Request

Meals of Thanks & Giving Food Distribution

When: Monday, November 25, 2024 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: West Dallas Multipurpose Center 2828 Fish Trap Rd. Dallas, TX 75212
West Dallas Multipurpose Center – 2828 Fish Trap Road Dallas, Texas 75212

Drive thru and pick up an uncooked turkey and fresh produce to make a meal of thanks and giving for your family. There will be food available for 300 households. Limited to one turkey and bag of produce per household. Available to residents of 75208, 75211 and 75212* *proof of household address required.

ThanksAndGiving

East Dallas Turkey Giveaway!

East Dallas Councilmembers Moreno (District 2), Bazaldua (District 7), Blackmon (District 9), and Ridley (District 14) are collaborating this fall to host a Turkey Giveaway. The distribution will take place at Owenwood Farm & Neighbor Space, with the generous support of Services of Hope, who have donated the turkeys to support our communities. To participate, please ensure you fill out the provided form completely. Each family is eligible to receive one turkey, we have a limited number available.

Pickup will be at Owenwood Farm & Neighbor Space 1451 John West Road Dallas Texas 75228 on November 20th from 1 to 3 p.m.

On the day of pick up please show confirmation email, your name MUST be on our list to receive a turkey. Thank you for your cooperation and participation.

MLK Fresh Produce Distribution Center

When: Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center 2922 MLK Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215

MLK Fresh Produce Distribution Center | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center

The MLK Fresh Produce Distribution Center aims to increase access to fresh food in South Dallas and surrounding communities. The distribution center is open weekly to provide fresh fruits, vegetables, and dry goods to citizens at no cost.

There are no zip code requirements or income restrictions to receive goods.

Food distribution takes place Monday-Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center.

Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway

When: 10 a.m., Saturday, November 23, 2024
Where: Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center 2922 MLK Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215

MLK Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
Registration begins November 7th at 10 a.m. You must be registered to participate. You must be in a vehicle to participate in the Drive-Thru. Register online

For more information: 214-670-8418

SNAP Food Benefits

Another helpful resource for Texas families is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.

When you get SNAP food benefits, you shop using a Lone Star Card. Use this card like a credit card at any store that accepts SNAP.

You must be a Texas resident and apply in the county where you live.

You’ll need to answer questions about:

Your Social Security number and birth date
Your citizenship or immigration status
The money you make from jobs and other sources
The value of your car and other property you may own
The costs you pay for bills

Click here to learn more or apply for SNAP food benefits.

9. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Benefits

Pregnant women and mothers of babies and young children can get help with groceries from the Texas Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

The WIC program can also help you learn about nutrition and how to plan meals.

To learn more or apply, click here.

10. Findhelp

City of Dallas Community Resources by findhelp – Search and Connect to Social Care

Find more resources for food and groceries throughout the year using Findhelp. It’s convenient and easy to use. You don’t need to log in or sign up before using the site.

Simply visit the Findhelp website and enter your zip code. You’ll see a list of agencies that offer help with food—both emergency and ongoing assistance.

Resources include help with:

getting emergency food, such as free fresh fruit, vegetables, canned goods, and more
signing up for food delivery
getting meals
paying for groceries
learning about government food benefits
shopping for free groceries

For every organization, the Findhelp directory lists the:

address
phone number
hours of operation
type of food help they provide
website
how to apply, if necessary
how to schedule a visit
other information you may need

Click here to use the Findhelp directory. Click on the word “food” under the apple icon.

You can also call PCHP Member Services with questions about using Findhelp for emergency food and many other resources:

HEALTHfirst STAR Medicaid: 1-888-672-2277
KIDSfirst CHIP/CHIP Perinate: 1-888-814-2352

Tips for Accessing Thanksgiving Assistance:

Pre-Register When Possible: Many organizations require pre-registration to ensure that everyone receives a turkey or holiday meal. Make sure to check registration deadlines and complete any forms online.
Arrive Early: Supplies may be limited at some events, so it’s recommended to arrive early to secure your holiday meal.
Check Eligibility: While most giveaways are open to families in need, some organizations have specific criteria, such as income thresholds or neighborhood boundaries. Be sure to confirm eligibility in advance.
Volunteer: If you’re able to, consider volunteering at one of these events. Many of these organizations are looking for additional help to serve meals and distribute food.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Dallas comes together to ensure no one has to go without a meal during the holiday season. Whether you’re in need or want to give back, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy a festive and fulfilling Thanksgiving.