By: Ashmar Mandou
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, several organizations and businesses across the City are stepping up to provide meals and food baskets to those experiencing food insecurities. In anticipation of the season, we compiled a list of organizations and businesses working to distribute turkeys and meals to as many families as possible.
Tapas Valencia –Free Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go (South Loop)
Tapas Valencia provides complimentary traditional turkey dinners for individuals and families in need. Meals are available for pickup on Thanksgiving Day (dine-in closed). Reservations required by the stated deadline.
1530 S State St, South Loop, Chicago, IL
312-842-4444
Inspiration Kitchens –Free Thanksgiving Meal (East Garfield Park)
Inspiration Corporation’s restaurant hosts an annual chef-led meal for neighbors facing homelessness or poverty. Served on Thanksgiving Day at their East Garfield Park location.
3504 W Lake St, East Garfield Park, Chicago, IL
Manny’s Deli –Free Family Meals for Snap Cardholders (Near South Side)
Manny’s offers free family meals for anyone showing a SNAP/Link card, in response to the temporary benefits disruption. Limited-time offer—check their social media for updates.
1141 S Jefferson St, Near South Side, Chicago, IL
mannysdeli.com
Kale My Name –Free Daily Meals for Those in Need (Albany Park)
Kale My Name offers free meals (any menu item, side, and drink) daily from 3–5 PM to anyone in need. No questions asked.
3300 W Montrose Ave, Albany Park, Chicago, IL
kalemyname.com
Soul Food Lounge –Free Lunch on Tuesdays (North Lawndale)
Soul Food Lounge provides free lunches every Tuesday from 12–3 PM. Open to anyone in need; no proof required.
3804 W 16th St, North Lawndale, Chicago, IL
soulfd.com
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria –Free Meal Distribution (Lawndale Partnership)
Lou Malnati’s partners with Lawndale Community Church to provide free pizza meals and coupons to SNAP recipients and families in need during the holiday season. Contact the church for distribution schedule.
3858 W Ogden Ave, North Lawndale, Chicago, IL
loumalnatis.com
South Chicago Neighborhood Network (South Side)
South Chicago Neighborhood Network will host a Turkey Basket Giveaway, first come, first served, on Thursday, Nov. 20th at 4p.m., to 5p.m., at The Salud Center, 3039 E. 97st St. For more information about the event, contact Program Manager Tiarra Owens via tiarrao@claretianassociates.org or call 773-734-9181.
McDonald’s Turkey Basket Giveaway
McDonald’s will also host a few turkey basket giveaways to first come, first served. A few of the locations include: November 20, 3:00 PM – McDonald’s – 2317 N. Cicero Ave, Chicago IL: November 21, 3:00 PM – McDonald’s – 1023 N Lake St, Aurora IL
