Where to Get a Free Turkey for Thanksgiving in 2024

If you’re looking for a free turkey this Thanksgiving, whether due to budget constraints or just trying to be frugal, we’ve found some ways you can.

With high grocery prices due to inflation, people everywhere are searching for ways to lower their grocery bills and beat inflation. The costs can be especially high during holidays, like Thanksgiving, which is why getting a free turkey can help.

This is especially important for 2023 because we’ve now been experiencing months of inflation that has pushed costs up for everything. Egg prices may not be as high as they were last year but everything else has gone up!

The following list has something for just about everyone.

Stores Giving Away Free Turkeys

Several chain grocery stores are giving away free turkeys.

Most stores have rules you have to follow to get your turkey, so read them carefully!

Ibotta Thanksgiving Offer 2023

In what felt like ages after other stores listed their Thanksgiving offer, Ibotta has announced the details of the Free Thanksgiving 2023 offer and this year the offer is better than it’s ever been.

In the past, you had to redeem multiple offers to “earn” your free Turkey dinner. For 2023, there is no activation. They are simply giving away Thanksgiving!

First, sign up for Ibotta if you aren’t already a user. With Ibotta, you can get coupons to save money on several items. It’s a great service.

Then, simply add the 100% cash back offers to your list. Buy the items from the store and submit a receipt to get the cash back. The cash back for the qualifying purchases will be added to your account within 24 hours.

For 2023, Ibotta Thanksgiving deal gets you:

• Butterball Turkey (up to $14.35)
• Idahoan Mashed Potatoes ($1.60 cash back)
• McCormick Gravy Mix ($1.15 cash back)
• Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix ($0.75 cash back)
• Ocean Spray cranberry Sauce ($2.65 cash back)

You can withdraw cash from your account into PayPal once your balance hits $20 and if you get every offer on the list, you’ll have hit $20.50. There really is not catch to this.

Ibotta is free to sign up for and use, so you have no cost. It also happens to be a great cash-back rewards app, check it out today!

👉 Get the free Ibotta app for a free turkey!

Weis Markets [2023 Details]

Weis Markets has a rewards program where you earn a point for every $1 that you spend, from October 15th through November 23rd. You need to earn 400 points to redeem for a free Weis Quality frozen turkey, Tofurky Roast & Gravy, Tofurky Ham & Marinade, Weis Quality meat or Vegetable Lasagna or Macaroni & Cheese – you have until November 23rd to redeem.

If you get to 200 points, you can get discounts on a turkey, ham, and other items instead.

You can learn more about this offer from their circular.

Foodtown [2023 Details]

Foodtown will give you a free turkey – or your choice of other free items – when you spend at least $400 with your Club Card during the weeks before Thanksgiving. 

Your Foodtown Club Card will keep track of the total purchases, so you don’t have to keep track of your receipts.

Foodtown has stores in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. See your local store for details on how to earn your free turkey. 

ShopRite [2023 Details]

ShopRite has a free Turkey or Ham for Thanksgiving promotion. You need to join their Price Plus membership (it’s free) and then spend the required amount between October 15 through November 23rd.

Spend $400 and qualify for ONE of the following:

• ShopRite or Bowl & Basket All-Natural Frozen Turkey any size up to 21 lbs. OR Save $1.99/lb. off any other fresh, or frozen turkey brand (up to 21- lbs).
• Empire or Kosher Turkey brand $1.99/lb. off (up to 21 lbs).
• Cooks Butt or Shank ½ Smoked Ham OR Save $2.39/lb. off any Cook’s Spiral Sliced Ham, Boneless Ham, or any other Smoked Ham (up to 12 lbs. avg.) or $7.17 off John F Martin Boneless Ham.
• $3.29/lb. off any other fresh or frozen Turkey Breast or Empire Kosher Turkey Breast.
• Empire or Kosher Frozen Roasting Chicken (Up to 8 lbs avg.).
• Stouffer’s Frozen Lasagna, any variety 90 – 96 oz.
• Gardein Plant-Based Roast 35.2-oz (Frozen Dept).
• Tofurky 56-oz. (Frozen Meat item).
• New to the program: Marie Callender’s Sides 13 oz.
• STARTING SUNDAY 11/12 Fresh Whole Picnic 12-lb. avg, Pork Picnic OR take $1.89/lb. off any other Bone-in Smoked Pork Picnic.

You only get 1 free item per family.

BJ’s Wholesale Club [2023 Details]

BJ’s announced their free turkey promotion for its members for 2023. Between November 1st and 9th, when you spend $150 in the same transaction at BJ’s (can be online or in-store), you’ll get a digital coupon for a free Butterball whole turkey that you can redeem between November 11th – 22nd. The turkey can be fresh or frozen but you only have until the 9th to earn it.

You also need to create a digital account on BJs.com so you can get the coupon.

Free Turkeys or Thanksgiving Meals for Low-Income Families

In addition to free turkeys from designated grocery stores, you may be able to find free turkeys or free Thanksgiving meals at charities near you.

Here are some charity options that may offer free turkeys or free Thanksgiving meals. 

United Way 211

United Way 211 is the information line for United Way assistance. When you call this number, you can tell the operator where you live and ask if there are any charities in your area that are offering free turkeys or free Thanksgiving meals.

Note that United Way might not have information for every charity giving away free turkeys or free Thanksgiving meals.

However, they work hard to stay informed of the charities serving up help for Thanksgiving. 

Local Food Pantries

Local food pantries often have free turkeys or free Thanksgiving box meals to give away. Regarding food pantries, you generally have two choices: stationary buildings or traveling pantries. 

Stationary pantries are located in community buildings and are usually open on certain days of the week and at certain times. 

We suggest using the Food Pantries Near Me website to find a stationary pantry near you.  

Popup pantries aren’t available all of the time. Rather, they have designated meeting places and times in which volunteers set up and take down the food pantry. 

These organizations get food from local food shelves and stores and often distribute it to anyone who visits. Search for traveling food pantries by doing an internet search. 

Local Charities

Area charities near you may be giving away free turkeys or Thanksgiving meals. Charitable organizations can come in all different forms. 

Charities can provide food, shelter, and other services, such as helping people break free of abusive relationships or other unhealthy situations. 

The website Free Food may be able to help you find free food near you. Or, you can check with your city’s Chamber of Commerce to get information on finding local charities that give away free food. 

Religious Organizations Near You

Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other organizations may be able to help you get a free turkey or may be serving their own free Thanksgiving meal.

Many of these organizations have programs to deliver free turkeys (and other Thanksgiving fare), have coordinated pickup days for turkeys, or may serve Thanksgiving meals at their buildings. 

Contact local religious organizations directly to find out if they are giving away free turkeys or
Thanksgiving meals. Or search your local paper for events. 

Another option is to check local community groups on Facebook or ask whether anyone knows of area religious or other organizations giving away free turkeys. 

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels exists to deliver food to senior citizens who need help getting meals. And that includes getting Thanksgiving meals to seniors in need.  

To qualify for Meals on Wheels deliveries, you typically need to be 60 years or over and have a diminished capacity for shopping, preparing meals, or socially interacting with others.

However, rules can vary based on the individual situation, so even if you or the senior in your life don’t meet the above requirements, you should contact Meals on Wheels anyway. 

Bonus: Meals on Wheels is always looking for volunteers, so don’t hesitate to volunteer with the organization if you can do so. 

Local Shelters

You may be able to get a free Thanksgiving meal if you are staying at or visiting a local shelter, such as a homeless shelter or shelter that houses domestic violence victims. 

Residents of these shelters and other shelters usually always qualify for a free Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re not a resident, you may still be able to get a free dinner. 

Check with the shelter you’re staying at or contact a nearby shelter for more information. To qualify for a free dinner at a shelter, you usually must have struggles that align with the shelter’s purpose.   

Local Masons, Lions, or Similar Organizations

Talk to your local Masons, Lions, or other organizations about getting free turkeys or Thanksgiving meals. 

For instance, a town near me has a Masons organization that hosts a free Thanksgiving meal every year for needy families.

It’s a wonderful event that serves dozens of families every year. Organizations like the Masons are dedicated to serving their community members. 

How Can I Help this Thanksgiving? 

If you’re looking to give back for Thanksgiving this year, we’ve got options for you!  No matter what your financial situation is, there are ways you can pay it forward for Thanksgiving.

Volunteer at a Food Pantry or Shelter

Food pantries and shelters are always busy during the holiday season, and they can use help from willing participants. 

Food pantries need help stocking the food they receive, packing food to give to those in need, and distributing food to pantry visitors.

Shelters need help preparing, serving, and cleaning up after meals. Some shelters ask for volunteers to visit with shelter residents as well. 

Contact local pantries or shelters near you for more information about volunteering during the holiday or other times.

Give Money

The above organizations have costs associated with the free turkeys or Thanksgiving meals they provide. Many shelters provide hundreds of free meals on Thanksgiving Day alone.

If you can find some money to spare, one or more of these organizations would be grateful for your financial assistance in providing free meals or turkeys. 

Contact shelters, food pantries, or other charitable organizations near you to find out how you can give to support free Thanksgiving dinners or other needs.

Be the Feet On the Ground

Another option for helping feed people on Thanksgiving is to be the “feet on the ground” in your community.

For example, you could invite someone you know who doesn’t have anywhere to go over for Thanksgiving. Or you could bring a Thanksgiving meal to a family that doesn’t have the means to buy one on their own.

Another option would be to provide a meal or Thanksgiving treats to your local homeless community. Look for people in your circle or community who need help for Thanksgiving, and decide how you might be able to give of your time or resources to help.  

Free Turkey for Thanksgiving: Summary

As you can see, there are several ways to get a free turkey this Thanksgiving. If you’re in need, don’t hesitate to accept the generosity of those willing to help. Life works better when we all work together.  

Taking advantage of free food offers is just of many ways you can save money, but it’s an important one. So get your free turkey today and use your extra funds to pad your savings account.