Thanksgiving groceries can add up quickly, especially when you’re feeding a family. Fortunately, food banks, churches, businesses and community organizations across Arizona are stepping up to help families put a holiday meal on the table.
We’ve rounded up free turkey giveaways, Thanksgiving grocery distributions and prepared holiday meals throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Tucson, the East and West Valleys, Northern Arizona and smaller communities across the state. This list has been updated for 2026.
Some events are first come, first served, while others require advance registration, identification or proof of address. We’ve included those details whenever available.
Please check with each organization before heading out. Supplies are limited, registration can fill quickly and some organizations are still finalizing their Thanksgiving schedules.
Free Thanksgiving Turkeys and Grocery Boxes
Phoenix and Scottsdale
Equality Health Foundation – Healthy Fall Festival & Turkey Giveaway
- When: Saturday, November 14, 9 a.m.–noon
- Where: Percy L. Julian School, 2149 E. Carver Drive, Phoenix
Equality Health Foundation is hosting a free community festival featuring Thanksgiving turkey and produce giveaways, health screenings, children’s activities and community resources. Turkeys and food bags are available while supplies last.
33rd Annual Thanksgiving Community Celebration – South Phoenix
- When: Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Where: NFL YET College Prep Academy, 222 E. Olympic Drive, Phoenix
Espiritu Community Development Corporation and NFL YET College Prep Academy are hosting a free Thanksgiving celebration with turkey giveaways, children’s activities, entertainment, community resources and raffles for grocery gift cards and other prizes.
Turkeys are available while supplies last.
More information: info@espiritu.org
Guajolotón Gracias Arizona 2026
- When: Saturday, November 21, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Where: Barrios Unidos Park, 1501 E. Mohave St., Phoenix
This community Thanksgiving celebration will distribute free turkeys and traditional holiday sides to families while supplies last. The event also includes family activities and entertainment.
HonorHealth Desert Mission – Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution
- When: Saturday, November 21, beginning at 7 a.m. until supplies run out
- Where: Desert Mission Food Bank, 9229 N. Fourth St., Phoenix
HonorHealth Desert Mission is distributing frozen turkeys, fresh produce, potatoes and Thanksgiving fixings.
This is primarily a walk-up distribution, so bring a wagon, cart or extra hands to carry your groceries. No identification or intake paperwork is required. Limit one distribution per family; recipients must be present.
A separate vehicle pickup option is available for people with qualifying ADA placards or license plates.
Distribution details and parking instructions
Herozona – 23rd Annual Turkey Giveaway
- When: Saturday, November 21, beginning at 9 a.m.
- Where: 1 S. 24th St., Phoenix
Herozona is hosting its annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, with Arizona Cardinals player Will Johnson participating in the event.
Limit one turkey per vehicle, while supplies last.
Prayer Assembly COGIC – Day of Hope
- When: Saturday, November 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Where: 4520 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix
Prayer Assembly Church of God in Christ is hosting a free community event with Thanksgiving turkey giveaways, food, clothing, live music, face painting and community resources.
Turkeys are available while supplies last.
Rio Vista Center – Turkey Day Giveaway
- When: Saturday, November 21, 9 a.m.–noon
- Where: 1431 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix
Rio Vista Center’s annual Turkey Day Giveaway provides Thanksgiving turkeys and holiday sides to families in need. The organization hopes to distribute 2,000 turkeys this year.
Lifekind Foundation – Thanksgiving Drive
- When: Saturday, November 21
- Scottsdale pickup: 9 a.m.–noon, 18940 N. Pima Road, Suite 100
- Phoenix pickup: 1–3 p.m., 2701 N. 16th St., Suite 111
Lifekind Foundation is bringing its Thanksgiving Drive to Arizona for the first time.
Registered families receive a $50 grocery gift card to purchase the turkey of their choice, plus a box of Thanksgiving sides, including stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls and dessert.
Registration is required by November 13.
Register for a Thanksgiving meal
Glendale and the West Valley
Phoenix Rescue Mission – Thanksgiving for Every Family
- When: November 9–20
- Where: Hope for Hunger Food Bank, 5605 N. 55th Ave., Glendale
Phoenix Rescue Mission is working to provide complete Thanksgiving dinners to 3,000 Valley families.
Each holiday package includes a turkey, two bags of Thanksgiving groceries and an aluminum roasting pan.
Families should contact the food bank to confirm distribution hours and any participation requirements before visiting.
Phone: (602) 346-3366
Vineyard Church North Phoenix – Thanksgiving Food Basket Giveaway
- When: Tuesday, November 24, 5:30–7 p.m.
- Where: 6250 W. Peoria Ave., Glendale
Vineyard Church North Phoenix is providing Thanksgiving food baskets with frozen turkeys and traditional holiday groceries.
Advance registration is required. Families should bring photo identification and proof of address.
Registration and event information
City of Tolleson – Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
- Distribution: Tuesday, November 24
- Registration opens to the general public: Friday, November 6
The City of Tolleson is providing Thanksgiving meal boxes with enough food to feed approximately eight to 10 people.
Tolleson residents received earlier registration access, but applications open to the general public November 6, while supplies last.
Limit one application per household. Approved recipients will receive pickup instructions and must bring their confirmation.
Phone: (623) 936-2760, option 2
Apply for a Thanksgiving meal box
Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank – Thanksgiving Assistance
- Distribution: Tuesday, November 24
- Where: Avondale and surrounding West Valley communities
Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank is providing Thanksgiving assistance to registered households in its service area.
The organization’s holiday registration period ended in October, so families who haven’t registered should call to ask whether additional assistance or referrals are available.
Holiday assistance information
Mesa, Chandler and the East Valley
Lerner & Rowe Gives Back – Mesa Thanksgiving Giveaway
- When: Wednesday, November 11, beginning at 4 p.m.
- Where: Arizona Athletic Grounds, 6321 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa
Lerner & Rowe Gives Back is distributing 1,000 free Thanksgiving meal packages in Mesa.
Families can walk up to receive a package with traditional Thanksgiving dinner ingredients. Limit one package per family, first come, first served, while supplies last.
United Food Bank – November Holiday Distribution
- When: Wednesday, November 18, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Where: Mesa
United Food Bank is hosting a drive-through holiday food distribution for families who need help putting a Thanksgiving meal on the table.
Families should check the event page for the exact vehicle entrance and distribution instructions before arriving.
United Food Bank November calendar
AZCEND – Thanksgiving Food Assistance
- Where: 345 S. California St., Chandler
- Phone: (480) 963-1423
AZCEND is partnering with Risen Savior Lutheran Church to provide Thanksgiving meals to approximately 325 local families.
Families have been registering for assistance through AZCEND’s food bank. Contact the organization to ask whether registration remains available and to confirm distribution dates and eligibility.
Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank – Thanksgiving Food Boxes
- Where: 1368 N. Arizona Ave., Unit 112, Chandler
Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank offers holiday food assistance, including Thanksgiving boxes with turkey or ham and traditional sides, depending on availability.
Contact the food bank to ask about 2026 holiday distribution dates and registration requirements.
Fountain Hills and Northeast Valley
Extended Hands Food Bank – Thanksgiving Assistance
- Where: 16939 E. Colony Drive, Suite 1, Fountain Hills
- Phone: (480) 837-0303
Extended Hands Food Bank serves families in Fountain Hills and surrounding communities with groceries throughout the year. The organization has also provided Thanksgiving turkeys and traditional holiday sides through its community turkey drive.
A special 2026 Thanksgiving pickup date has not been confirmed. Families should contact the food bank directly to ask about holiday assistance.
Tucson and Southern Arizona
Lerner & Rowe Gives Back – Tucson Thanksgiving Giveaway
- When: Wednesday, November 18, beginning at 4 p.m.
- Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave., Tucson
Lerner & Rowe Gives Back will distribute 750 Thanksgiving meal packages to Tucson families.
Packages include traditional holiday dinner ingredients. Limit one per family, first come, first served, while supplies last.
Thanks & Giving 2026 – Tucson
- When: Sunday, November 22, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Where: El Pueblo Neighborhood Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, Tucson
This community celebration is planning to distribute up to 1,000 free turkeys, along with gift cards and other food assistance.
The event also includes music, community resources and family activities. Turkeys are available while supplies last.
Pinal County
F.O.R. Maricopa Food Bank – Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
- When: Saturday, November 21, 9 a.m.–noon
- Where: F.O.R. Maricopa Food Bank, Maricopa
Families can drive through to receive a fresh turkey and a box of Thanksgiving fixings while supplies last.
Current food bank clients should bring their food bank card and photo ID. New clients should bring photo identification and proof of their current address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.
This event is in the city of Maricopa in Pinal County, not Maricopa County.
Northern Arizona and the White Mountains
Flagstaff Family Food Center – Holiday Helpings
- When: Sunday, November 22
- Where: Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff
Flagstaff Family Food Center is partnering with Northern Arizona University to distribute Thanksgiving meal kits to families in need.
The organization is still finalizing pickup times and instructions. Check its website for updated details before attending.
United Food Bank – Payson Food Distribution
- When: Monday, November 9, 9–11 a.m.
- Where: 601 AZ-260, Payson
United Food Bank is holding a drive-through grocery distribution with produce and pantry staples.
Note: A Thanksgiving turkey is not specifically guaranteed at this distribution.
United Food Bank – Show Low Food Distribution
- When: Friday, November 20, 9–11 a.m.
- Where: Show Low
This drive-through distribution provides produce and nonperishable groceries. Families should have space available in their vehicle for volunteers to load food.
Note: A turkey or complete Thanksgiving meal is not specifically advertised.
St. Mary’s Food Bank – Northern Arizona Holiday Distributions
St. Mary’s Food Bank is hosting special holiday grocery distributions in several Northern Arizona communities. Families may receive holiday meat, produce, bread and nonperishable groceries.
Upcoming locations include:
- November 4: Fredonia, Kaibab Paiute RV Park and Campgrounds, 10 a.m.–noon
- November 4: Keams Canyon, Hopi Junior/Senior High School, 9–11 a.m.
- November 10: Kayenta Rodeo Grounds, 9–11 a.m.
- November 11: Peach Springs, Rodeo Circle Park, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- November 12: Tuba City, Western Navajo Nation Fairgrounds, 9–11 a.m.
- November 17: Fort Defiance, Bee Holdzil Fighting Scouts Event Center, 9–11 a.m.
- November 19: Chinle High School, 9–11 a.m.
- November 24: Chinle Neighborhood Food Center, noon–2 p.m.
Bring photo identification. Limit one holiday distribution per household.
Full 2026 holiday distribution schedule
Hualapai Tribe – Annual Turkey Day Giveaway
- When: Wednesday, November 11, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Where: Rodeo Circle Park, Peach Springs
The Hualapai Tribe is distributing frozen turkeys, canned goods and holiday food boxes to eligible households.
Arizona state or tribal photo identification is required. Limit one distribution per household, while supplies last. Recipients must be present unless they have arranged an approved proxy pickup.
Questions: Hualapai Emergency Operations Center, (928) 769-0003
Yuma and Western Arizona
Lerner & Rowe Gives Back – Yuma Thanksgiving Giveaway
- When: Friday, November 13, beginning at 4 p.m.
- Where: Yuma County Fairgrounds, 2520 E. 32nd St., Yuma
Lerner & Rowe Gives Back is providing 1,000 free Thanksgiving meal packages.
Limit one package per family, first come, first served, while supplies last.
Lerner & Rowe Gives Back – Bullhead City Thanksgiving Giveaway
- When: Friday, November 20, beginning at 4 p.m.
- Where: Bullhead City Chamber of Commerce, 1251 AZ-95, Bullhead City
The organization will distribute 500 Thanksgiving meal packages to families in need.
Limit one package per family, first come, first served, while supplies last.
St. Mary’s Food Bank – Phoenix, Surprise and Salt River
In addition to its Northern Arizona events, St. Mary’s Food Bank has scheduled holiday food distributions in the Valley.
Phoenix and Surprise Neighborhood Food Centers
- Monday, November 23: 8 a.m.–noon
- Tuesday, November 24: 8 a.m.–noon
- Wednesday, November 25: 8 a.m.–noon
Holiday groceries may include meat, produce, bread and nonperishable items.
Bring photo ID. Limit one visit per household. The food bank recommends arriving during the posted distribution window and following traffic instructions.
Salt River Accelerated Learning Academy
- When: Monday, November 23, 9–11 a.m.
- Where: North Athletic Parking Lot, Salt River community
This location is also listed for a Thanksgiving turkey and food-box distribution. Families should confirm eligibility before attending, as community-specific requirements may apply.
St. Mary’s complete holiday schedule, locations and instructions
Free Prepared Thanksgiving Dinners in Arizona
Not everyone has the ability or space to cook a Thanksgiving dinner. These community organizations are offering prepared holiday meals, with some providing takeout options.
Phoenix
The Salvation Army – Thanksgiving Day Community Dinner
- When: Thursday, November 26
- Doors open: 9 a.m.
- Meal service: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Where: Phoenix Convention Center, South Building, 386 E. Washington St., Phoenix
The Salvation Army is hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner for families, veterans and neighbors in need.
Guests can enjoy a hot turkey dinner with traditional sides, live music, football on the big screen and community resources. Limited free haircuts, hygiene kits and other assistance may also be available.
Phoenix First Apostolic Church – Homeless Thanksgiving Luncheon
- When: Saturday, November 14; serving time not yet announced
- Where: 749 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix
Phoenix First Apostolic Church is hosting a Thanksgiving luncheon for people experiencing homelessness, offering a warm holiday meal and community fellowship.
Contact the church for the serving time and participation details.
Phoenix First Apostolic Church
Scottsdale and Salt River
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community – Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner
- When: Saturday, November 21, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Dinner served: 11:30 a.m.
- Where: Two Waters Courtyard, 10061 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale
The annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner includes turkey, pumpkin pie, entertainment by Molina Music, a turkey-calling contest and a Kids Zone.
Families should contact the event organizers to confirm whether attendance is limited to community members and guests.
Questions: (480) 362-7740
Community Thanksgiving event information
Cottonwood
Old Town Mission – Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner
- When: Monday, November 16, 4–6 p.m.
- Where: 116 E. Pinal St., Cottonwood
Old Town Mission is inviting the community to enjoy a free Thanksgiving dinner.
Guests can dine in and share a meal with their neighbors or pick up a prepared dinner to take home.
Everyone is welcome.
Tucson
Zion City – Project Thanksgiving
- When: Saturday, November 21
- Where: Participating Zion City church locations in the Tucson area
Zion City is organizing Thanksgiving meals for families through its Project Thanksgiving outreach.
Families should check the event page for registration, pickup arrangements and participating locations.
Project Thanksgiving information
More Places to Ask About Thanksgiving Food Assistance
Some organizations provide Thanksgiving food boxes or meals through existing client programs, referrals or advance registration. Their 2026 public distribution schedules have not all been announced.
Child Crisis Arizona – Phoenix and East Valley
Child Crisis Arizona is collecting Thanksgiving food boxes for families facing financial hardship, foster youth and young people experiencing homelessness. Families already receiving services may be eligible for assistance.
Phone: (480) 834-9424
Child Crisis Arizona
St. Vincent de Paul – Payson
St. Vincent de Paul offers food assistance and has provided Thanksgiving baskets to families in the Payson area.
Phone: (928) 474-4476
RE – Pinetop-Lakeside
RE offers a food pantry and free community lunches throughout the week. Contact the organization about Thanksgiving-week availability.
Phone: (928) 457-1707
RE
Heber-Overgaard Community Food Bank
Provides grocery assistance to eligible families in the Heber-Overgaard area. Contact the food bank about holiday distributions.
Phone: (480) 321-5831
Round Valley Community Services – Springerville
Provides food assistance to eligible households in the Round Valley area.
Springerville Community Services
Valley View Community Food Bank – Sun City and Northwest Valley
Valley View Community Food Bank provides grocery assistance and works with community partners on holiday food programs. Contact the food bank for current Thanksgiving assistance availability.
Florence Thanksgiving Food Drive – Florence
Community partners are collecting Thanksgiving groceries to help approximately 400 homebound and food-insecure residents. Public pickup or registration information has not been announced.
Need Food Assistance Beyond Thanksgiving?
Families who need groceries or meals throughout the year can find additional help through these resources:
- Arizona Food Bank Network: Find food banks and distribution partners throughout Arizona.
- 211 Arizona: Search for food assistance, community meals, emergency resources and local support programs.
- St. Mary’s Food Bank: Food assistance throughout central and northern Arizona.
- United Food Bank: Grocery distributions in the East Valley and eastern Arizona.
- Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona: Food assistance in Tucson and surrounding Southern Arizona communities.
- Flagstaff Family Food Center: Free groceries and daily prepared meals in Flagstaff.
Know of another free Thanksgiving turkey giveaway or community dinner? We’re continuing to update this list as organizations announce their holiday plans. Contact Raising Arizona Kids with the event date, time, location and participation details so we can help more Arizona families find the assistance they need.
