With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, everyone in San Diego County has the chance to enjoy a meal with their loved ones, no matter the circumstances. Several local organizations are giving away thousands of Thanksgiving dinners to families in need.
Food insecurity has been a concerning topic for many San Diegans, especially as funding for and the distribution of SNAP benefits were uncertain during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which ended earlier this week after 43 days.
This year, more San Diegans can count on the extra help from organizations like the San Diego Food Bank, San Diego Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army to celebrate the holiday with their families in the best possible way.
Here are some of the places offering free Thanksgiving meals:
What to know before you go:
- Visit the organization’s website for more details.
- Call ahead to confirm times, availability and any requirements.
- Bring identification if requested. Some sites may ask for your ID or proof of residence.
San Diego Food Bank
Every year, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank provides turkeys to help thousands of families enjoy the comfort of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. The organization is hosting its annual Turkey Drive and will accept donations from the community until Nov. 22.
San Diego Rescue Mission
Join San Diego Rescue Mission’s free Thanksgiving dinner, which includes roast turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, cranberry sauce and holiday pies. It takes place on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 120 Elm St., San Diego, CA 92101.
You can donate to give Thanksgiving meals here.
Feeding San Diego
Feeding San Diego is providing free Thanksgiving food and holiday meal ingredients for people facing food insecurity during the holidays. The organization says details are subject to change, and food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Feeding San Diego also has other regular food distributions during the rest of the year.
City of Chula Vista Turkey Distribution
- When: Nov. 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
- Where: 1385 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911
City of National City Holiday Distribution
- When: Nov. 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
- Where: 1920 Sweetwater Road, National City
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annual Thanksgiving Day Meal offers grab-and-go, sit-down and drive-through style dinners at three different locations across San Diego County. Meals are served first-come, first-served on Nov. 26 and Thanksgiving Day.
The Salvation Army Escondido Corps
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: 1301 Las Villas Way, Escondido, CA 92026
- Grab-and-go style
The Salvation Army Chula Vista Corps
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon
- Where: 648 Third Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910
- Sit-down style
The Salvation Army Centre City Corps
- When: Thursday, Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: 825 Seventh Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
- Grab-and-go style/sit-down style
The Salvation Army East County Red Shield Community Center
- When: Thursday, Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to noon
- Where: 1025 E Main St., El Cajon, CA 92021
- Drive-through style
The Salvation Army Oceanside Corps
- When: Thursday, Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: 3935 Lake Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056
- Grab-and-go style/sit-down style
There are also food banks and other organizations that provide food assistance throughout the year.
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