5 Tucson places offering Thanksgiving help with free meals, turkeys and ingredients

This year we need Thanksgiving comfort food more than ever — mounds of mashed potatoes, buttery rolls and of course, the star of your table, the turkey. 

If you're staring down a Thanksgiving shopping list in need of some extra help this season, several Tucson organizations are ready to step in and help you make that Thanksgiving meal a reality. 

Here are a few places to get free Thanksgiving food items. 

9th Annual Thanksgiving Drive-thru Event

Arizona Bilingual Newspaper and Tucson Clinica Medica Familiar will give away as many as 1,000 gift cards for turkeys at a drive-thru event. Masks are required. The newspaper is also giving away a limited number through raffles on its Facebook page. 

When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to noon, while supplies last. 

Where: Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave. 

Cost: Free

Visit the Arizona Bilingual Newspaper website for more information. 

Drive-thru Turkey Giveaway

UnitedHealthcare and the City of Tucson are partnering to distribute 1,000 turkeys to low-income seniors and families in need during a drive-thru event. One free frozen turkey will be given per vehicle to those who need food assistance. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place. Those receiving a turkey are encouraged to bring a cooler for transport home.

When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to noon

Where: Donna R. Liggins Recreation Center, 2160 N. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Free

Giving Back and Giving Thanks 

This free Thanksgiving dinner event will include the distribution of Thanksgiving meals to-go with ham and turkey options, masks, blankets and more as supplies last. Masks are required. 

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When: Sunday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Where: Martinez Funeral Chapels hall, 2580 S. Sixth Ave. 

Cost: Free

For more information or to donate, check out The Barrio Movement Facebook event. 

Thanksgiving Blessings to Go

Instead of hosting an in-person holiday banquet this year, Gospel Rescue Mission will serve ready-to-eat Thanksgiving meals, drive-thru style. Each family will get one meal per family member, a pie and a resource box which includes non-perishable food items, hygiene products and more. 

When: Wednesday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Where: The Center of Opportunity, 4550 S. Palo Verde Road

Cost: Free

For more information, visit grmtucson.com. 

Interfaith Community Services food bank

Although Interfaith Community Services is not handing out chickens and turkeys this year, all clients will get frozen meat. The food banks will also be handing out special holiday meal items such as stuffing or scalloped potatoes. These are in addition to the items that are distributed during a regular food bank visit. 

When: The month of November

Where: Several locations 

Cost: Free - any resident of Pima County is eligible for a single visit per month with proof of residency

Visit icstucson.org for more information.