As Thanksgiving 2024 approaches, many households are preparing to celebrate with traditional dinners, featuring a turkey as the centerpiece. However, with inflation continuing to affect grocery prices, families across the US are finding it challenging to afford the cost of a holiday meal. While the days of employers giving out free turkeys may be mostly over, several options still exist for families looking to get free or discounted turkeys for Thanksgiving this year.
How to get a free turkey for Thanksgiving 2024
There are numerous ways to get a free or significantly discounted turkey for Thanksgiving 2024. Grocery stores, local charities, faith-based organizations, reward sites, and social media giveaways are among the best options to explore.
Here’s a breakdown of where and how to find these opportunities:
1. Grocery store promotions for free Thanksgiving turkeys
One of the most straightforward ways to get a free turkey is by taking advantage of grocery store promotions. Several grocery chains across the US offer free turkeys as part of their holiday promotions, though these typically come with a spending requirement.
Here are a few examples of grocery stores offering free turkeys for Thanksgiving 2024:
- ShopRite: From October 20 through November 28, 2024, ShopRite is offering a free turkey (or a discounted holiday item) when you spend $400 using the same Price Plus® Club Card. This offer is valid at all ShopRite locations, except in Maryland. Customers can redeem one free turkey per household, making it a useful way to cut costs while shopping for other holiday essentials.
- Giant Eagle: Giant Eagle is offering free turkeys through their Royalty Card promotion. From October 17 to November 9, 2024, shoppers who spend $300 can get a free small turkey (8-15.99 lbs), while those who spend $400 can get a free large turkey (16 lbs or larger). Giant Eagle’s promotion allows customers to stock up on holiday groceries while securing a free turkey for their Thanksgiving meal.
Before committing to a grocery store promotion, it’s important to weigh the cost of the required spending against the value of the turkey to ensure that it makes sense for your budget. If the spending requirement feels too high, consider opting for a discounted turkey or checking other stores for deals.
2. Charitable organizations offering free Thanksgiving turkeys
For families facing financial hardship, many charitable organizations provide free Thanksgiving turkeys and food assistance. These initiatives aim to help low-income households enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal without worrying about the cost.
- Feeding America: As one of the largest hunger-relief organizations in the U.S., Feeding America connects families with free food resources, including Thanksgiving turkeys. By entering your zip code into their food bank locator, you can find nearby food banks and pantries offering free Thanksgiving meals or groceries. Many of these organizations offer not only turkeys but also Thanksgiving meal boxes containing side dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.
- Local churches and faith-based groups: Many local churches and religious organizations host Thanksgiving giveaways. For example, Eastridge Church will be distributing 1,500 turkeys along with bags of groceries to local families in need. Similarly, Fulford United Methodist Church in Miami is offering a limited number of free turkeys for those struggling to afford a Thanksgiving meal. These events often prioritize low-income families, but anyone facing financial difficulties may be eligible to receive assistance.
3. Rewards sites: Earn money towards a free Thanksgiving turkey
If you enjoy earning rewards through online shopping and completing tasks, certain rewards websites offer a way to score a free or discounted turkey for Thanksgiving.
- Swagbucks: By signing up for Swagbucks, users can earn points (known as SB) for activities like shopping online, taking surveys, watching videos, or playing games. These points can be redeemed for gift cards from major retailers, such as Walmart, Target, or Amazon, which you can use to buy your Thanksgiving turkey.
- QuickRewards: Another platform that offers similar opportunities is QuickRewards, which allows users to earn cashback on everyday purchases. Like Swagbucks, QuickRewards points can be transferred to PayPal or redeemed for gift cards, helping you offset the cost of your Thanksgiving meal.
While these options require some time and effort, they can be a fun way to save on holiday expenses and earn a “free” turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner.
4. Free Thanksgiving turkey giveaways and contests
Social media platforms are great for discovering turkey giveaways, as brands and local businesses often host contests during the holiday season. These giveaways typically involve simple actions like following a page, liking a post, or sharing a promotion to enter.
Before participating in a giveaway, make sure it’s legitimate. Look for well-known or verified brands, and be cautious of scams. Some local radio stations, grocery stores, and community centers also hold giveaways during November, so keeping an eye on your local news stations or social media feeds can help you find additional opportunities.
