Where to Get a Free Turkey for Thanksgiving in 2023 (Ibotta Deal Is Back!)

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 2022 because there was an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) that significantly reduced the turkey population. Prices are up so getting one for free can save you a ton of money!

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 a stipulation you must meet to get your turkey. 

Ibotta Thanksgiving Offer Back for 2022!

Last year 2021, Walmart and Ibotta teamed up to get you several free items for your Thanksgiving dinner, including a free turkey. This promotion ran from November 1st through November 25th.

This year 2022, it’s back! And you don’t have to shop at Wal-Mart! You can redeem it anywhere.

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

The 2022 Ibotta Thanksgiving deal gets you:

• Butterball Turkey (up to $14)
• Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes (24 oz package)
• Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (8.5 oz package)
• McCormick Gravy Mix (0.87 oz package)
• Kuner’s Green Beans (14.5 oz package)

To get this offer, you need to complete the Turkey bonus which requires you to redeem 16 offers by 11/18/2022 to unlock the Turkey offer. Once you’ve done it, the Turkey will be unlocked in your gallery. Then you buy the Turkey, scan the receipt, and Ibotta will pay for it (up to $14). Same goes for the sides (sides unlock once you redeem the turkey). (terms and conditions)

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!

BJ’s Wholesale Club

BJ’s also just announced their free turkey promotion for its members for 2022. Between November 1st and 10th, 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 12th – 23rd. The turkey can be fresh or frozen but you only have until the 10th to get it.

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

Weis Markets

Weis Markets has a rewards program where you earn a point for every $1 that you spend, from October 6th through November 24th. 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 24th 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

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

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 to get one of the following:

• ShopRite All Natural Frozen Turkey any size up to 21 lbs OR Save $1.89/lb off any other fresh or frozen turkey (up to 21 lbs)
• Empire or any other Kosher Turkey $1.89/lb off up to 21 lbs 
• ShopRite Grade “A” or Shady Brook Frozen Turkey Breast 6-9 lb avg OR $2.29/lb off any other fresh or frozen turkey breast or Kosher turkey breast
• Empire or any other Kosher Frozen Roasting Chicken (Up to 7lbs)
• Stouffer’s Frozen Lasagna, any variety 90 – 96 oz
• Stouffer’s Frozen Lasagna 38 oz or Michael Angelo’s Frozen dinner options
• Gardein Plant-Based Roast 35.2 oz (Frozen Dept)
• Tofurky 56 oz (Frozen Meat item)
• Cooks Shank or Butt Half Smoked Ham OR Save $2.39/lb off any Cook’s Spiral Sliced Ham, Boneless Ham, or any other Smoked Ham (up to 12lbs)
• STARTING SUNDAY 11/13  FREE Fresh Whole Picnic 12 lb. avg, Pork Picnic OR take $1.89/lb off any other Bone-in Smoked Pork Picnic

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.