ST. LOUIS — The average cost of a Thanksgiving feast for 10 comes in at $61.17 this year, down 4.5% from last year, according to the American Farm Bureau Foundation’s annual survey. However, the cost is still up 25% compared to pre-COVID.
In the hopes of providing a little financial relief and preserving the tradition of a warm turkey feast, many St. Louis-area organizations are offering Thanksgiving meals to those in need. Here's where you can find a free meal for your family.
Families can stop by the People’s Community Action Turkey Giveaway to grab a turkey and a bag full of fixings to make their own Thanksgiving feast while supplies last. The two-day drive-thru event is from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 at 11642 W. Florissant and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 18 at 5701 Delmar Blvd. You must be 18 or older with a valid ID and proof of income to receive your turkey. While you’re there, you can also access free health screenings, flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines.
The R. Whittington Foundation is on a mission to feed 1,000 local families at its Thanksgiving meal giveaway from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 at Northside Seventh Day Adventist Church, located at 9001 Lucas and Hunt Road in Jennings. Families will get a turkey, green beans, corn stuffing and mac and cheese.
The Cahokia Heights Chamber of Commerce and the Miracle Temple Tabernacle are hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner. Dinner is served at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 610 Range Lane.
First responders, active military, medical workers, dispatchers and tow personnel can stop by Dillon’s Automotive at 216 North Lincoln Drive in Troy, Missouri, for a free hot meal that includes turkey, ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, cranberry sauce, corn casserole, green bean casserole, dinner rolls and mini pumpkin bundt cake for dessert. Food is available from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21. If you can’t make it there, you can also call 636-528-8881 for free delivery.
Each year, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis distributes Thanksgiving turkeys to low-to-moderate-income residents. This year’s giveaway will go from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21 at the Urban League Regional Headquarters, located at 1408 N. Kingshighway Blvd. For more information, call 314-388-9840.
Cherokee Street Thanksgiving is an annual community tradition that began as a small community potluck and has grown to an event that feeds hundreds thanks to contributions from local businesses and volunteers. This year’s event will go from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21 at The Golden Record, located at 2718 Cherokee Street. Bring a dish, dessert or drink to share if you can.
Enjoy food, good company and a plate to take home at the St. Louis Ministry Center’s Thanksgiving Community Meal. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 333 N. Florissant Road in Ferguson. Everyone is welcome.
The Canaan Baptist Church in Imperial, Missouri, is serving up a community Thanksgiving Day dinner for singles, the elderly and those who are alone on the holiday. The family-style dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 23 at 6701 U.S. Highway 61-67. Delivery is available for those who are homebound. Reserve your spot at 636-464-9008.
Looking for a traditional Thanksgiving meal and company on Turkey Day? Visit Faith Lutheran Church, located at 410 East U.S. 50 in O’Fallon, Illinois, for a meal with all the trimmings. Food is served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or until food runs out, Thursday, Nov. 23.
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