Here’s where you can find free and low-cost Thanksgiving meals in the Sacramento area
As Thanksgiving nears, Sacramento families and friends will gather at the dinner table to share their gratitude and a hearty meal.
The American Farm Bureau Federation found that the classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 people could cost roughly $58.08, which is a 5% decrease from last year. Yet, this year’s cost is still 19% higher than five years ago. Turkeys will carve most of grocery cost, coming in at about $26.
Here’s a list of some affordable and no-cost Thanksgiving meal options in the Sacramento area:
Stockton Boulevard Turkeys-To-Go!
When: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: 4605 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95817
The Stockton Boulevard Community Development Corporation is back for its sixth year running the drive-thru turkey giveaway. Cars will line up in the Jack in the Box Shopping Center, where each vehicle will receive one turkey. Supplies are limited. Drivers must stay in their vehicle to receive the turkey.
Cosumnes River College Drive-Thru Turkey Giveaway
When: 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Cosumnes River College, Parking Lot E, 8401 Center Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95823,
Drivers should enter on Calvine Road for the event, which is in partnership between the Hawk Cares Center and Assemblywoman Stephanie Nguyen. Open to all, the event offers each family one turkey and attendees should stay in their car.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to support those in need and share the spirit of gratitude this Thanksgiving,” Consumnes River College’s website read.
Yolo County Children’s Alliance Community Giveaway Day
When: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Riverbank Elementary School, 1100 Carrie St, West Sacramento, CA 95605
At the Annual Community Giveaway Day, the Yolo Food Bank will provide holiday meal kits, which include a turkey and traditional sides. The Yolo County Children’s Alliance will also give away free kids’ coats and blankets. At the giveaway, families can connect with local organizations that offer health education, reading programs, financial assistance and more.
Attendees are encouraged to come early, as the offerings are on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Our Annual Community Giveaway Day is more than just an event; it is an expression of love and solidarity with the families we serve,” said Jeneba Lahai, Executive Director of Yolo County Children’s Alliance in a press release.
Bridge Network Corporation Turkey Giveaway
When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22
Where: 7851 35th Avenue Sacramento, CA 95824
The Bridge Network Corporation, an organization dedicated to supporting at-risk and vulnerable youth and their families, is hosting a turkey giveaway that is first-come, first-served. Goers will be asked to provide their name, zip code, phone number and household size.
Target’s Thanksgiving Meal
Target’s Thanksgiving meal costs $20 and feeds four. It includes a 10-lb frozen turkey, russet potatoes, green beans, mushroom soup, jellied cranberry sauce, turkey stuffing mix and turkey gravy.
The retailer is also lowering its turkey prices to 79 cents per pound. Its side dishes, like Good & Gather Cheddar Mac and Cranberry Goat Cheese, and desserts, like Favorite Day apple and pumpkin pie, are sold for under $5.
Walmart’s Meal Kit
Walmart is selling a holiday meal kit for under $7 per person and serves up to eight. The kit has frozen turkey burgers, green beans, mushroom soup, crispy fried onions, mini marshmallows, corn muffin mix and other ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal. Customers can also send the meal kits to a loved one by entering their home address at checkout and selecting delivery.