Austin Events Offer Free Thanksgiving Day Meals

AUSTIN, TX — Untold numbers of us are planning to eat hearty this week as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, but not everyone is so fortunate. Thankfully, goodwill abounds in Austin where several organizations will offer free meals to the less fortunate.

Among the organizations providing free food are:

BAPTIST COMMUNITY CENTER

Each year, the Baptist Community Center, 200 E. 2nd St., feeds some 650 people. The event takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Walk-ins welcome.

CENOTE

The restaurant at 1010 E. Cesar Chavez St. will offer a free Thanksgiving meal to those in need from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28. The restaurant is located across from the Terrazas library branch.

NORTH AUSTIN CHRISTIAN CHURCH

On Thursday, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the church will serve meals under a large tent fronting the building. The church is located at 1734 Rutland Dr. Walk-ins welcome.

SALVATION ARMY AUSTIN

The Salvation Army’s Downtown Shelter, at 501 E. 8th St., is hosting a free community Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday, Nov. 27. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. catering largely to residents of Travis and Williamson counties. More than 300 meals are expected to be served.

TURKEY BINGO

Nov. 25 | from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 East Rundberg Lane

Families can enjoy free hot dogs and drinks (while supplies last), along with arts and crafts tailored to the kiddos. Attendees will be able to play Bingo for a chance to win a Thanksgiving dinner basket. Bingo cards cost $3. Those needing special accommodations should call the City of Austin at (512)974-3914.

Image via City of Austin

HEB FEAST OF SHARING

Nov. 26 | from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.

Texas-based grocery store chain HEB has long staged Thanksgiving dinners for hungry residents in the cities it serves. The Feast of Sharing version in Austin is expected to serve some 14,000 meals to hungry residents, aided by thousands of volunteers serving food and helping out with the kids' activities. To volunteer, click here.

OPERATION TURKEY

Nov. 28 | 8 a.m. to noon. | Multiple Locations: Operation Turkey North – P.F. Chang’s located at 10114 Jollyville Rd., Operation Turkey South – Güero’s Taco Bar located at 1412 S. Congress Ave., Operation Turkey Downtown – P.F. Chang’s located at 201 San Jacinto Blvd.
Another popular volunteer-driven event, Operation Turkey aims to ensure everyone gets a hot meal for Thanksgiving. To that end, an army of volunteer prepare, package, and even deliver a traditional meal to people experiencing homelessness across Central Texas, from Round Rock and Cedar Park to Austin and San Marcos. Those wishing to volunteer can do so here, while those seeking to donate can do so by clicking here. Organizers note each $5 donation feeds two people.

THUNDERCLOUD SUB'S TURKEY TROT

Nov. 28 | 8:45 a.m. | The Long Center, 701 West Riverside Dr.

Nearly 20,000 are expected to participate in this Thundercloud 5-mile race, making it one of the largest such events in the U.S. All proceeds benefit Caritas of Austin, a nonprofit supporting local refugees, low-income and homeless people. The event relies on some 650 volunteers to pull it off, organizers noted, and those wanting to help out can do so here. Register for the race here. Note: Registration fee required. Donate here.

VEGETARIAN THANKSGIVING AND POTLUCK

Nov. 28 | from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Yoga Meditation Group, 13740 Research Blvd., Building T, Unit 3

This is for the vegetarians among us, a Thanksgiving Day Vegetarian Feast offering vegan and gluten-free food. Organizers urge attendees to bring along a dish if desired, so long as it's vegetarian. That means no eggs, fish, gelatin, lard or meat. But fret not, as a horn's plenty of food will be available, organizers wrote on the event website. Attendees should take their own utensils and disposable plates, however. A "Deep Peace Meditation" class will follow the meal. RSVP here.