Thanksgiving in Memphis is rooted in community, compassion, and making sure every neighbor has a warm meal and a place to gather. Across the city, churches, nonprofits, and local leaders are stepping up to host free dinners, food box giveaways, and family-friendly celebrations to ensure no one goes without this holiday season.
Here’s your roundup of free Thanksgiving meals and food distributions happening throughout Memphis. Share widely, and check back as we continue adding more events.
Hope Activated & The Citadel of Deliverance Church - Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Enjoy a warm, home-style Thanksgiving meal in community or grab a plate to-go if you’re on the move. In addition, families can receive special food boxes designed to help stretch the holiday beyond the day-of celebration.
- 📅 Thursday, November 27, 2025
- ⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- 📍 988 Mississippi Blvd. (Next to The Four Way Grill)
- 🍽 What’s Included: Free sit-down or to-go Thanksgiving meal + food box giveaways
- Open to all
MEMFEAST - City of Memphis & Community Partners
The City of Memphis and its partners are hosting a series of free Thanksgiving food box distributions leading up to the holiday, plus a hot meal service on Thanksgiving Day.
Food Box Distribution Events
📍 Golden Gate Cathedral Church
- Monday, Nov. 24
- 1 PM – 3 PM
- 3240 James Road
📍 First Baptist Broad
- Tuesday, Nov. 25
- 12 PM – 2 PM
- 2835 Broad Avenue
📍 New Direction Christian Church
- Wednesday, Nov. 26
- 9:30 AM – 12 PM
- 6120 Winchester Road
Thanksgiving Day Hot Meal
📍 Christian Missionary Baptist Church
- Thursday, Nov. 27
- 10:30 AM – 1 PM
- 480 S Parkway E
BLVD’s MEMGIVING
(Formerly known as MemFeast)
With rising need across the city, Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church is expanding its annual outreach. Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. J. Lawrence Turner notes that the church’s Manna Outreach program has seen an 80% increase in families requesting support. This year’s MEMgiving event will provide hot meals, food boxes, and winter accessories across multiple sites.
Meal Service – Wednesday, Nov. 26
📍 Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church
- Doors open 11:45 AM
- 70 N. Bellevue Blvd.
📍 Vance Avenue Youth Development Center
- Service begins 12 PM
- 670 Vance Ave.
📍 R.S. Lewis Funeral Home
- Service begins 12 PM
- 2944 Walnut Grove Road
📍 Ridgeway Police Station
- Service begins 12 PM
- 3840 Ridgeway Road
Meal Deliveries – Wednesday, Nov. 26
Meals will be delivered to residents at:
- Poston House — 60 N. Montgomery St
- Target House of St. Jude — 1811 Poplar Ave
- Door of Hope — 245 N. Bellevue Blvd.
Turkey and Friends Give Back - 1,000 Turkey Giveaway
Families in Raleigh can receive free turkeys, food, gift cards, and more during this massive community event.
- 📅 Tuesday, Nov. 25
- ⏰ 11 AM – 4 PM
- 📍 Raleigh Community Center
- 3678 Powers Road
Dimesgiving Fest Hosted by Jessica Dime
Memphis native and reality star Jessica Dime is launching the first-ever Dimesgiving Fest, complete with free food, family-friendly attractions, and holiday fun.
- 📅 Wednesday, Nov. 26
- ⏰ 12 PM – 5 PM
- 📍 Memphis Slim Collaboratory
- 1130 College Street
Bain BBQ - Thanksgiving Day Free Lunch
Bain BBQ is opening its doors on Thanksgiving morning to serve a free holiday lunch for anyone who wants to enjoy a warm meal with friends and community. Expect classic Thanksgiving favorites like turkey, dressing, candied sweet potatoes, and rolls.
- 📅 Thursday, November 27
- ⏰ 10 AM
- 📍 993 South Cooper St.
- 🍽 What’s Included: Full Thanksgiving lunch
- Free to any and all
Congosgiving - Community Holiday Meal
First Congregational Church is once again hosting its beloved Congosgiving celebration—a no-questions-asked community meal open to anyone who’s hungry or could use a warm holiday spread. Thanks to generous donations from local chefs and partners, attendees can expect a full Thanksgiving menu featuring brown sugar baked hams, green beans, mashed potatoes, beautifully roasted turkeys, butternut mac & cheese, and more. Groceries from the pantry will also be available for folks who need extra support.
- 📅 Tuesday, November 25
- ⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM
- 📍 1000 S. Cooper St.
- 🍽 What’s Included: Free holiday meal + pantry items available
- Open to all hungry folks—no questions asked
IdaMae Family Foundation & Paper Route Empire - Annual Turkey Giveaway
Grove Hero and J Hunt are teaming up once again with the IdaMae Family Foundation and Paper Route Empire for their annual free turkey giveaway, honoring the giving spirit of Memphis and the legacy of Young Dolph. Turkeys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is recommended.
- 📅 Thursday, November 20, 2025
- ⏰ 1 PM – 3 PM
- 📍 Grove Hero Park
4512 Beacon Hill Dr., Memphis, TN 38127 - 🥣 What’s Included: Free frozen turkeys
- First come, first served
IdaMae Family Foundation & Paper Route Empire - Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway (Golden Gate Cathedral)
The IdaMae Family Foundation and Paper Route Empire are hosting another community turkey giveaway—this one at Golden Gate Cathedral and hosted by DJ Q. Turkeys will be distributed beginning at 1 PM and will continue while supplies last, so arriving early is encouraged. Good vibes, community spirit, and giving back are the focus of the day.
- 📅 Monday, November 24
- ⏰ 1 PM – 3 PM
- 📍 Golden Gate Cathedral
3240 James Rd., Memphis, TN 38128 - 🍗 What’s Included: Free turkeys (first come, first served)
Global Children Services - Community Turkey Giveaway (Walnut Grove)
Global Children Services is hosting a family-focused turkey giveaway to help ensure every household can enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal. This event is open to longtime residents, new community members, and anyone in need of holiday support.
- 📅 Saturday, November 23
- ⏰ 2 PM – 4 PM
- 📍 3000 Walnut Grove Rd., Suite 100
Memphis, TN 38111 - 🦃 What’s Included: Free turkeys for families
- Open to everyone in the community
