Can’t afford Thanksgiving? Here’s where to get a free meal in Bradenton
Despite supply chain problems, rising food prices and the global COVID-19 pandemic, no one in the Bradenton area needs to go without a Thanksgiving meal this year.
Here are details on holiday meals to help those in need:
Salvation Army
As it has done for decades, the Salvation Army is planning to feed as many as 500 people on Thanksgiving day from noon to 1 p.m. at 1204 14th St. W.
The menu will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and lots of pies, said Kelly French, spokesperson for the Salvation Army. For the second year, the meal will be served outdoors in to-go containers to ensure guests, kitchen staff and volunteers remain safe during the pandemic.
“Anybody in need of a hot, traditional meal is invited. You don’t have to be homeless and there are no questions asked. We see families, senior citizens, and the homeless on Thanksgiving,” French said.
The Salvation Army is looking for more turkeys to serve on Thanksgiving. If there are any left over, the Salvation Army will make sure they get into hands that need them, she said.
For more information about the Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving meal or to offer a donation, call 941-748-5110.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is also working to ensure that nobody goes hungry on Thanksgiving.
The number of seniors who receive hot, home-delivered meals during the pandemic has spiked to nearly 1,000, said Amy Towery, vice president of development for the nonprofit.
They will receive a special Thanksgiving meal, complete with pumpkin pie, she said.
In addition, Meals on Wheels PLUS staff and volunteers will distribute frozen turkeys and all the fixings needed to make a Thanksgiving dinner during a drive-thru event 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, at Renaissance on Ninth, 1816 9th St. W. in Bradenton.
“Groceries are expensive,” Towery said of the rise in prices this year. “Quantities are limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. We are planning for 500 families.”
Meals on Wheels PLUS also partners with dozens of church food banks, some of which are planning free Thanksgiving meals as well.
Bible Baptist Church
Bible Baptist Church of Palmetto, 1720 6th Ave. W., Palmetto, will be serving free meals at its fellowship hall from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thanksgiving day.
“We will be serving a complete hot meal and no registration is required,” said Drena Green, the church’s administration assistant.
Guests can either eat their meal in the fellowship hall, or take home a to-go meal. Congregation members will also be delivering meals, Green said. For more information, call 941-479-2619.
Sara’s Place
Another Meals on Wheels PLUS partner, Sara’s Place, 616 10th St. E., will be offer free drive-thru meals noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20. On the menu: turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, drinks and dessert, said Larry Dean, food pantry manager.
No registration is required. For more information, call 941-730-8952.
Sutton Park drive thru
Life Changers International World Ministries will be serving drive-thru meals at Sutton Park, 1036 6th St. W., Palmetto, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20.. No registration is required for the drive-thru food distribution. For more information, call 941-417-2294.
This story was originally published November 12, 2021 at 6:00 AM.
