Where to get a free Thanksgiving 2022 meal in Bradenton, donate goods or volunteer
Nobody should have to go hungry, especially on Thanksgiving, a day for gratitude and feasting.
A number of Bradenton area organizations are working to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, rising food prices, and two recent hurricanes, has the opportunity to enjoy a holiday meal.
The Food Bank of Manatee
The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, will be hosting a Food4Families Thanksgiving distribution 4-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at 811 23rd Ave. E., Bradenton.
The drive-through distribution will include frozen turkeys, canned vegetables, and all the fixings for 500 local families to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home. Quantities are limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Food Bank of Manatee relies 100% on the support of the community to feed those in need in Manatee County. Donations can be made online at www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org.
The Salvation Army
▪ The Salvation Army will be distributing turkeys 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, until gone at its Center for Worship, 5238 24th St. E., Bradenton. The Salvation Army is accepting turkey donations for dinner to be served at its shelter through Nov. 21. Donated turkeys can be dropped off at 1204 14th St. W.
▪ The Salvation Army will serve Thanksgiving dinner for the community noon Thursday, Nov. 24, at 1204 14th St. W. The Salvation Army typically feeds up to 400 people.
For more information, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org.
Sara’s Place
Meals on Wheels PLUS partner, Sara’s Place, 616 10th St. E., will be offering free drive-thru meals noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. On the menu: turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, drinks and dessert.
No registration is required. For more information, call 941-730-8952.
Tidewell Hospice families
Tidewell Foundation has again partnered with Pier22 and Grove restaurants and Morton’s Gourmet Market to support Tidewell Hospice or Empath Home Health patients and families in need of a Thanksgiving meal.
Individual heat-and-serve meals can be purchased directly from the Pier 22, Grove or Morton’s or you may donate to Tidewell Foundation to have meals purchased on your behalf.
Meals, including turkey, traditional sides and a slice of pie, will be delivered on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
Deadlines to order or to donate:
▪ Morton’s Gourmet Market: 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 (order in store)
▪ Grove or Pier22: Noon, Nov. 22 (order online)
▪ Donate: Noon, Nov. 21 (donate online)
Does your organization have plans to provide meals to the community? Email metro@bradenton.com with the details.
This story was originally published November 17, 2022 at 5:50 AM.
