Where to get a free Thanksgiving turkey or meal for the 2024 holiday in Milwaukee

Milwaukee families in need can find help putting Thanksgiving food on the table this holiday from local churches, community groups and others.

Those groups have organized giveaways of whole turkeys and other traditional Thanksgiving foods, often with the help of food banks, sponsors and plenty of volunteers.

Here's where Milwaukee-area residents can get a free turkey or holiday meal ahead of Thanksgiving — and on the day of.

Note that some events have registration requirements or are limited to only certain groups of people.

Thursday, Nov. 21

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2207 N. 2nd St., Milwaukee

11 a.m.

In partnership with Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, HeartLove Place is giving away free turkeys and food boxes to families for Thanksgiving. No registration is required. The event is a drive-thru and is first-come, first-served. Only one turkey will be provided per family.

Capuchin Community Services House of Peace, 1702 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee

3 p.m.

This annual event will distribute 150 turkeys and Thanksgiving meals to House of Peace guests who are registered for the event. Unregistered guests are welcome to participate with a valid ID. The distribution, hosted by the Milwaukee Bucks and Gruber Law Offices, will take place in the alley behind House of Peace.

Friday, Nov. 22

Brentwood Church of Christ, 6425 N. 60th St., Milwaukee

2-4 p.m.

Brentwood Church of Christ is holding its annual turkey giveaway, while supplies last. For questions, call 414-353-6757.

Southeastern Oneida Tribal Services, 5233 W. Morgan Ave., Milwaukee

10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.

Only Oneida tribal members may pick up a turkey at the SEOTS office, while supplies last. Oneida elders ages 55 and up may pick up a turkey starting at 10:30 a.m. All other Oneida members 18 years and older may pick one up starting at 2:30 pm. A limited number of turkeys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. If picking up a turkey for another member, bring their tribal ID and a note. Only one additional pickup is permitted.

Saturday, Nov. 23

Salam Elementary, 815 W. Layton Ave., Milwaukee

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hanan Refugee Relief Group will be handing out up to 700 Halal turkeys, as well as canned and dry goods, to people in need. This is a drive-thru event and is sponsored by Islamic Relief USA. Everyone is welcome. Online registration is requested at https://forms.gle/fV3gxESYRtLbbecN8. Those who register in advance may show up at 11 a.m., while the unregistered can sign up the day of the event starting at 11:30 a.m. Hayat Pharmacy will also have COVID and flu shots available.

Monday, Nov. 25

King Community Center, 1531 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Families will receive a free, frozen turkey for the holiday, while supplies last. This event is a drive-thru and is first-come, first-served. Quantities are limited. For details, call the King Community Center at 414-344-5600.

United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee, 1609 W. North Ave., Milwaukee

4 p.m.

While supplies last, come to United Neighborhood Centers to pick up a free turkey and pumpkin pie.

3041 North, 3041 W. North Ave., Milwaukee

6-8 p.m.

Join Connect Community Outreach for a free community dinner celebrating Thanksgiving.

Tuesday, Nov. 26

Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative, 6300 W. National Ave., West Allis

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative is distributing Thanksgiving meal boxes to veterans, while supplies last. Participants must present a DD214 or VA identification. Boxes will include turkey or ham, vegetables, stuffing, potatoes, cornbread, gravy, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese and dessert. Meal boxes are limited to one per household. For questions, call 414-257-4111.

Dominican Center for Women, 2470 W. Locust St., Milwaukee

12-2 p.m.

Residents of the Amani neighborhood are invited to pick up a bag of free groceries for Thanksgiving. The giveaway is meant for families living in Amani or the 53206 ZIP code. On-site registration is required; bring an ID and a piece of mail as proof of residence in the 53206 ZIP code. Organizers recommend arriving early. The event is first-come, first-served.

Mitchell Street Library, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St., Milwaukee

5:30-7 p.m.

Join the Milwaukee Public Library for a holiday community meal and games and other activities. Registration is required. Go to mpl.org/calendar to sign up. If there is space, walk-ins are welcome. More information here.

Journey House, 2110 W. Scott St., Door #4, Milwaukee

5:30 p.m.

Journey House is holding its annual Thanksgiving dinner. Registration is required by calling 414-647-0548. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner starts at 5:30 and doors close at 6.

Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, 930 W. Historic Mitchell St., Milwaukee

3-6:30 p.m.

Native families and patients of the Ignace Indian Health Center are invited to its annual harvest feast. Participants will receive to-go meals, including a main course, traditional sides and pie. Traditional food bags are for the first 100 Native families who provide tribal ID. No RSVP is required. Meal pick-up is in the community room on the 2nd floor.

Thursday, Nov. 28

Northcott Neighborhood House, 2460 N. 6th St., Milwaukee

8 a.m. – noon

Families can pick up a free, home-cooked dinner, enough to feed a family of four. Dinners for individuals will also be provided. Heating instructions will be included. The annual event is a partnership between Northcott Neighborhood House, Bader Philanthropies and WestCare. No pre-registration is required.

McBob’s Pub & Grill, 4919 W. North Ave., Milwaukee

10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

McBob’s is a holding its annual Thanksgiving community dinner, a free event open to anyone. Meals will be served between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., including turkey, ham and more.

North 35th and West Center streets, Milwaukee

12-3 p.m.

This annual community Thanksgiving feast will include a Thanksgiving meal, as well as a giveaway of winter clothing and groceries, while supplies last. Food will include turkey, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, corn, rolls and a dessert. A heated tent will be on site, and community members are welcome to eat at the site or take food to-go. Winter clothing includes coats, hats and gloves in sizes for both adults and children. The event is hosted by Dream Team United WI, Embassy Center MKE and Ald. Russell Stamper II. For more information, email [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Where to get a free turkey or Thanksgiving meal in Milwaukee for 2024