The holidays can be a financially stressful time for anyone, but even more so this year due to the rising cost of food from inflation. In fact, a record number of New Jerseyans are facing food insecurity this holiday season. For those who are barely meeting their basic needs, the holiday season is a harsh reminder of how little support is provided to low-income households. Fortunately, there are a variety of programs and organizations that offer free Thanksgiving dinner in New Jersey.
To help relieve some of your holiday stress, we have put together a list of all the nonprofit organizations offering holiday food assistance and free Thanksgiving dinner in New Jersey for 2023.
To qualify for the Thanksgiving Food Assistance Programs you must be a low-income, New Jersey resident and meet the organization’s requirements.
For a list of all the Free Thanksgiving Food Assistance available in New Jersey including registration and contact information, keep reading below.
Free Thanksgiving Dinner in New Jersey (2023 Guide)
Below is a list of all the organizations offering Free Thanksgiving Dinner in New Jersey for 2023.
We will provide you with the organization name, program offerings, registration requirements, instructions, address, and contact information.
Angela Cares 10th Annual Feed 1000 Seniors
Join us as a volunteer for AngelaCARES’ 12th Annual Thanksgiving Feed, where we’re on a mission to serve 1,000 seniors in our community.
Your helping hands make all the difference.
Sign up now and be part of this heartwarming event!
Date
Wednesday, November 22
Time
11:30 am – 7 pm
Address
Jersey City Golden Door Charter School
3044 John F Kennedy Blvd W Jersey City, NJ 07306
Details
Join us for a heartwarming day of giving back and community unity at AngelaCARES’ 12th Annual Thanksgiving Feed 1,000 Seniors!
At AngelaCARES, our motto is “A Passion to Care. The Ability to Help,” and this event embodies our commitment to strengthening communities and enhancing the quality of life for seniors, caregivers, and the youth in Hudson County.
For over a decade, we have been dedicated to ensuring that senior citizens in our community don’t go without a warm meal and the love and support they deserve during the Thanksgiving season.
This year, we aim to provide 1,000 seniors with a delicious Thanksgiving meal, bringing joy and comfort to their lives.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something truly special. Reserve your spot today to make a difference in your community!
Registration Date
Contact Information
N/A
Where to Get a Free Thanksgiving Turkey in New Jersey in 2023
Here is a list of places to get free turkeys for Thanksgiving in 2023.
Salvation Army Trenton Citadel Thanksgiving Distribution – Trenton
575 State Street
For years, Salvation Army Trenton Citadel has held a drive-thru style Thanksgiving giveaway in the back parking lot.
In the past, this drive hasn’t required registration.
Food is available first come, first served and includes a turkey and the rest of the Thanksgiving fixings.
Bradley Food Pantry – Bradley Beach
605 4th Ave.
The Bradley Food Pantry provides the Jersey Shore community with bags of groceries 5 days a week.
For Thanksgiving, the pantry distributes turkey and fixings to pre-registered families.
The 2023 distribution will take place on Friday, November 17, 2023, at the gazebo on Ocean Ave. and 5th in Bradley Beach from 10am-7pm.
Registration runs through Friday, November 10, 2023. One must register in person during the operating hours of the pantry (M-F, 10am-noon; Th, 6-7pm).
Fulfill Drive-Thru Thanksgiving Food Distribution – Neptune
3300 NJ-66
Sponsored by local food bank Fulfill, this drive-thru event distributes full Thanksgiving meals to those in need, including a turkey and all the fixings, on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 12-3pm.
No registration is required, but organizers recommend arriving early as the car line does get long.
The Salvation Army of Atlantic City – Atlantic City
City Hall of Atlantic City, 1301 Bacharach Boulevard
Local families can register in early November at the Salvation Army to receive one of 500 Thanksgiving Food Baskets to be distributed during the holiday week.
Distribution is open to Atlantic City residents only.
New Hope & Friends Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway – Newark
106 Sussex Avenue
Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church leads the charge on this Thanksgiving basket giveaway, which distributes food baskets to needy residents in Newark, Irvington, and Passaic.
Donations can be dropped off at the church on Sundays from 7-10am and Monday through Friday from 8am-1pm.
If you or someone you know needs a basket, register Tuesdays-Fridays from 9am-3pm by calling 973-622-4547. 2023 distribution will be Monday, November 20, 2023, for registered households.
Thanksgiving Assistance Organizations in New Jersey
The following organizations are providing Thanksgiving assistance to New Jersey residents. For more information on Thanksgiving food assistance, please contact them directly.
Free Food Banks in New Jersey
If you are facing hunger and are struggling to meet your basic needs, there is help available to you at any time of the year.
New Jersey food banks and community partners provide hunger relief to low-income individuals and households.
You can get help with free food, groceries, and hot meals at any food bank or local community location throughout New Jersey.
To find a free food bank near you, check out our complete New Jersey Food Bank list here.
Holiday Food Assistance Programs in New Jersey
We hope this guide on all the organizations offering free Thanksgiving dinner in New Jersey this year was helpful.
We will continue to update this post as more opportunities for free Thanksgiving dinner in New Jersey are announced.
COMING SOON Check out our list of organizations offering FREE Christmas Assistance in New Jersey for 2023, including free toys, gifts, and holiday meals.
The holidays can easily become a financial burden for many low-income families living in New Jersey.
Our goal is to help you navigate these difficult times and achieve financial security.
With that said, we would love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments if you found this information helpful and would like more articles like this!