After weeks of a federal government shutdown and legal back- and- forth over SNAP benefits, more families might be looking for a little help with Thanksgiving meals.
Here are some organizations in metro Phoenix and southern Arizona providing free meals and food ahead of the holiday.
St. Mary’s Food Bank
Families could receive holiday meat, produce, non-perishable items and bread. Check requirements and more information on their website: https://www.stmarysfoodbank.org/turkey-distribution-2025/
Phoenix Neighborhood Food Center
3131 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85017
8 a.m.-noon Monday, Nov. 24
8 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Nov. 25
8 a.m -11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26
Surprise Neighborhood Food Center
13050 W. Elm St., Surprise, AZ 85378
8 a.m.-noon Monday, Nov. 24
8 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Nov. 25
8 a.m -11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26
Valley View Community Food Bank
Where: 10733 W Peoria Ave, Sun City, AZ 85351
When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26
Details: No turkey ticket required Wednesday. Anyone without a ticket can come on Wednesday while supplies last.
More information: feedingaz.org
Phoenix Rescue Mission
Families can pick up a turkey, Thanksgiving groceries and hygiene essentials.
Where: Phoenix Rescue Mission Donation Warehouse, 2515 N. 34th Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85009.
When: 9 a.m-noon Saturday, Nov. 22.
More information: https://phoenixrescuemission.org/thanksgiving/
United Food Bank – Mesa
Items families can receive include a turkey, produce boxes and a shelf- stable holiday bag for a traditional holiday meal. Desert Financial Credit Union, State Farm and the Arizona Cardinals support the distribution.
Where: Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ 8520.
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or when food runs out, Wednesday, Nov. 19.
More information: United Food Bank Facebook page.
22nd annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway Drive-Thru
The HeroZona Foundation and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Phoenix are partnering to provide frozen turkeys and pantry staples for side dishes. The turkey and staples are located at two different places.
What: Frozen turkey distribution.
Where: Travis L. Williams Post 65, 1624 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85040.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.
What: Pantry staples distribution.
Where: 1401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85034.
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22.
More information: HeroZona Foundation Facebook page.
Lerner & Rowe’s 2025 Thanksgiving Meal Giveaways
This distribution will include items to make a traditional holiday meal, as well as a snack and a Lerner & Rowe swag bag.
Where: Mohave High School, 2251 AZ-95, Bullhead City, AZ 86442.
When: 6 p.m. until supplies last (500 total Thanksgiving meal packages), Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Where: Yuma County Fairgrounds, 2520 E. 32nd St., Yuma, AZ 85365.
When: 4 p.m. until supplies last (1,000 total Thanksgiving meal packages), Thursday, Nov. 20.
More information: https://lernerandrowe.com/thanksgiving-giveaways/
