Updated: Where to Find Free and Cheap Turkeys for Thanksgiving

The shutdown is over, and SNAP benefits should start to catch up, but many families will still need assistance through the holidays. For general assistance, visit the NTFB’s website to find a food pantry near you.

For Thanksgiving specifically, whether you’re setting the table for one or 12, consider these giveaways and spots for bringing the cost of your holiday dinner down. 

Grocery Store Deals

Aldi is poised to reign supreme this holiday season with the most affordable Thanksgiving offerings in Dallas. This year, they’re running a promotion where you can feed 10 people for $4 a person: choose 10 items from their holiday offerings for 40 bucks. Whole turkeys, chicken broth, Hawaiian rolls, mini marshmallows, sweet potatoes, shells & cheese, stuffing, green beans and a bunch more are all on offer. 

Kroger has 10-14 pound whole turkeys for $1.99 per pound. Albertsons has 16-20 pound turkeys on sale right now for $32. Target is a heavy hitter this year with turkeys at $0.79 per pound. 

Fiesta Mart is not hosting a turkey giveaway this year, but they do have deals on basics like potatoes, onions and non-turkey meats. 

Free Turkey and Meals

The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), in partnership with UNT Dallas, Tom Thumb/Albertsons and UNIQLO will host a Thanksgiving food distribution on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon (or while supplies last) on the UNT Dallas campus at 7300 University Hills Blvd. Approximately 500 families can receive a turkey and 60 pounds of food to celebrate the holiday season. UNIQLO will provide HEATCH thermal clothing, as well. This is a drive-through event; no need to pre-register. Just show up.

Every year, Operation Turkey volunteers prepare, cook and distribute hot meals across homeless and underserved communities in Dallas. Every meal includes traditional items such as turkey, stuffing and vegetables. Volunteer teams deliver meals between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27. 

Metrocrest Thanksgiving Food Program is offering free holiday meals to those in Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Denton and Dallas. Any resident in those areas can apply to receive a whole frozen turkey and a bag of Thanksgiving-specific food items.

Crave Catering Dallas is partnering with the Cowboys’ offensive guard, Robert Jones, to hand out turkeys and Thanksgiving dinners at the Boy & Girls Club of Greater Dallas. The event will take place on Monday, Nov. 24, at 6 p.m.

The City of Grand Prairie is hosting its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner for residents on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 6 – 8 p.m. You must be a resident of Grand Prairie to attend and the event includes a free meal with all the trimmings.

Feast of Sharing is a free event hosted by Central Market and H-E-B offering anyone in the community a free holiday meal, a visit from Santa and live entertainment at the Centennial Building in Fair Park at 1001 Washington St. It takes place on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 3 – 7 p.m. Free transportation is available from various locations. Get all the info from the Feast of Sharing website and the Dallas flyer.

The North Texas Food Bank and its partners are one of the largest nonprofits with assistance across North Texas. Families can find locations online for their local food pantries and next mobile food distribution opportunities.

Dream Center Dallas is providing free Thanksgiving meals to the Oak Cliff community on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. 

Minnie’s Food Pantry is one of the leading food banks in North Texas, serving individuals regardless of their zip code. This holiday season, they’re giving away free holiday meals. If your family is in need this season, register here. The event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, and you must be registered in order to attend.