It’s that time of year again, when family and friends gather around the table for Thanksgiving.
We know the holidays can be stressful for some families, and the struggle to put food on the table can add to that burden, especially with the recent SNAP cut off. Thankfully, Indianapolis is full of churches, food banks and community volunteers ready and willing to step in to provide families in need with free turkeys or full meals.
READ MORE: Local organizations step up amid SNAP shortage
Indy Juneteenth Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive
Scott United Methodist Church, 2153 Dr. Andrew Brown Ave.
Nov. 15, Noon to 4 p.m.
Indy Juneteenth’s 5th annual Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway returns as part of the People’s Free Food Program. The event is free and open to the public while supplies last.
Thanksgiving Basket 2025
Pathway of Hope Incorporated, 5250 E. US Highway 36, Avon, IN
Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m.
Individuals in Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Montgomery, Morgan or Putnam County can walk in day-of to pick up a basket of seasonal food items, regular pantry items and specials. Baskets are first-come, first-served.
317-386-8905 or pathwayofhope.us
Feeding the Homeless with Phenomenal Publishing
International District Community Center, 3540 Commercial Dr.
Nov. 22, Noon to 2 p.m.
Join Phenomenal Publishing for a free, hot take-to-go meal for Thanksgiving. The event is open to the community.
internationaldistrict.com/event/feeding-the-homeless-with-phenomenal-publishing/
Thanksgiving Basket 2025
Deliverance Temple, 8600 Meadowlark Dr.
Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Deliverance Temple is providing families in need with a Thanksgiving food basket. Individuals must call 317-941-6993 to register. Selected individuals will receive a confirmation email or text message.
Turkey Giveaway 2025
Holy Angels Catholic Church, 2822 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.
Nov. 22, 9-11 a.m.
Holy Angels Catholic Church is giving out free turkeys to Indianapolis residents. Individuals can pick up the turkeys in a drive-thru style service in the church parking lot. For questions, contact holyangelsbulletin1@hotmail.com or call 317-797-1397.
Keller & Keller’s 2025 Holiday Turkey Giveaway
2850 N. Meridian St.
Nov. 24. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Keller & Keller will be giving away 500 turkeys to families in need. Cassie Smith-Johnson, also known as the Cheesecake Lady, will also be on-site giving away cheesecakes.
2keller.com/blog/free-turkey-giveaway-keller-keller.cfm
BFA Turkey Day Giveaway
Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Dr.
Nov. 24, 1-3 p.m.
Families in need can come pick up a Thanksgiving Dinner Box, which comes with a large turkey, mashed potatoes, bread, canned vegetables, stuffing and dessert. Text 317-680-6165 to reserve a box for pick up.
Thanksgiving Meal Distribution
Mt. Pleasant Church, 5111 W. 62nd St.
Nov. 26, 3-6 p.m.
Families in need may register to pick up a free cooked dinner. Meals are prepared at the Church and distributed on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Community Meal
Allisonville Christian Church, 7701 Allisonville Road
Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Allisonville Christian Church is opening their doors to any Hoosier in need to join them for a free, hot Thanksgiving meal.
https://www.facebook.com/allisonville
Thanksgiving Banquet Meals
Scott Hall, 250 Fairground St., Franklin, IN
Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All are welcome to join Johnson County Banquets, Inc. for an in-person Thanksgiving meal. Deliveries will be made available to homebound residents. Contact turkeydinner@johnsoncountybanquets.org for deliveries or questions.
facebook.com/JohnsonCoBanquets
Good Samaritan Network Holiday Assistance
White River Christian Church, 1685 N. 10th St., Noblesville;
Sheridan Community Center, 300 E. 6th St., Sheridan;
St. Louis De Monfort, 11441 Hague Road, Fishers
Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thanksgiving dinners will be available for families in need at these three Hamilton County Good Samaritan Network locations. Meals are served at the drive-thru pickup only and are first come, first served.
gsnlive.org/holiday-assistance
Mozel Sanders Thanksgiving Dinner Day
Pick-up locations TBA
Call 317-636-7985 to reserve a meal. Reservations close Nov. 17.
This story will update as additional giveaways are announced.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
