Thanksgiving in San Diego: Where to find free Thanksgiving meals 2024

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Several San Diego County organizations are offering free Thanksgiving meals to those less fortunate this holiday season.

Anyone in need this Thanksgiving can get a free meal. Here's how.

Free Thanksgiving meals around San Diego compiled by 211:

• Thanksgiving Dinner
  • San Diego Rescue Mission, Inc.
  • Free Thanksgiving meal for unsheltered and low-income community members
  • Free haircuts, bag storage, mobile showers, pet care supplies, holiday giveaways, and general medical care
  • Meal Distribution: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024
  • Shower and Haircut Hours: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024
  • Located at 120 Elm Street in San Diego
  • Walk-ins welcome
  • sdrescue.org
• Thanksgiving Day Meal, Centre City Corps
  • The Salvation Army San Diego Regional Office
  • Free Thanksgiving meal to-go and seated lunch. First come, first served
  • 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024
  • Walk-ins welcome
  • Located at 825 Seventh Ave in San Diego
  • sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/event-page---the-salvation-army-annual-thanksgiving-meal
• Thanksgiving Day Meal, East County Red Shield Community Center
  • The Salvation Army San Diego Regional Office
  • Free Thanksgiving meal to-go for anyone in need. First come, first served.
  • 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024
  • Walk-ins welcome
  • Located at 1025 E. Main Street in El Cajon
  • https://sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/event-page---the-salvation-army-annual-thanksgiving-meal
• Thanksgiving Day Meal, Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center
  • Thanksgiving meals for seniors 60 years and older
  • Meal Distribution: 11:00 a.m. - until food is gone,12:00 p.m.-until food is gone, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024
  • Located at 1525 4th Avenue in San Diego
  • Walk-ins welcome
  • servingseniors.org
• Thanksgiving Dinner Distribution
  • Thanksgiving meal for military personnel and their families throughout Southern California
  • Food distribution will include canned goods, a gift card for turkey, children activities and more. Families outside San Diego can also apply.
  • Applications required. Holiday Distribution will take place on November 13.
  • Support The Enlisted Project, Inc.
• Thanksgiving Day Meal, Oceanside Corps
  • The Salvation Army San Diego Regional Office
  • Free Thanksgiving meal for anyone in need. First come, first served.
  • Seated lunch
  • Walk-ins welcome
  • 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024
  • Located at 3935 Lake Blvd. in Oceanside
  • sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/event-page---the-salvation-army-annual-thanksgiving-meal
• Annual Holiday Feast and Food Drive
  • City of San Diego Parks and Recreation
  • Free turkey feast for Encanto residents, plus turkey raffles and prizes.
  • First come, first served
  • 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 21, 2024
  • Walk-ins welcome
  • Located at 6508 Wunderlin Avenue in San Diego
  • sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/recctr/encanto
• Thanksgiving Dinner
  • Faith on 48
  • Free Thanksgiving meal for those in need
  • 4:00 pm- until food is gone, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024
  • Application required
  • Located at 4019 48th Street in San Diego
  • docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUpMm5HEss23COqNPucNjS-Ji2rvSd5JmXrpfmuo6mHMMD3Q/viewform
• Turkey Giveaway
  • Baby Ruth's Safe Haven Resource Center
  • Free turkey giveaway for families in need
  • 10:00 am-11:00 am; Sunday, November 24th, 2024
  • Walk-ins welcome. First come, first served
  • Located at 123 Worthington Street in Spring Valley
  • babyruthssafehaven.org/babyruthssafehaven@gmail.com

In addition to the food, from tree lightings and neighborhood festivals to Surfin' Santa, the Holiday Market at Petco Park, Balboa Park December Nights and the new immersive walk-through experience, City Lights, there is no shortage of things to do in San Diego during the holiday season.