TAMPA — The combination of continued storm recovery, rising grocery prices, the government shutdown and the short-term disruptions in funds for SNAP has many Tampa Bay area families looking for some extra help to put a Thanksgiving dinner on the table this year. 

The following turkey giveaways are planned in the Tampa Bay area leading up to the holiday, with as many details as could be found about eligibility to receive them.

In many cases, advanced registration may be required, or you may need to plan to arrive early to get in line because of high demand.

B.J.’s Wholesale Clubs — Members who spent $150 or more in a single transaction on Nov. 1-10 can get a free turkey coupon. Bring the coupon in their app or on their BJs.com account between Nov. 15 and Nov. 26 to the wholesale club.

Hillsborough County

Thursday, Nov. 20 — Nuvia Medical will be hosting a Turkey Giveaway at the Jackson Springs Community Center. They will be distributing 100 free turkeys on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Address: 8620 Jackson Springs Rd., Tampa, FL

Friday, Nov. 21 — Iglesia Ebenezer will be offering free turkeys and food bags that will be distributed to the first 75 people that register, on a first-come, first-serve basis while items last. Only one allowed per family. You can register by texting: 1-863-368-8803. 

Address: 11505 Colony Hill Dr., Seffner, FL

Saturday, Nov. 22 — SOAR First Inc. will continue its mission to help serve families across the Tampa Bay area. This event will be a drive-thru where baskets will be provided with a turkey and other items to provide a great family meal. Registration is required. Only one per family. If you pre-registered, you can pick up between 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. If you did not, pick up is from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. (first-come, first-serve).

Address: Middleton High School 4801 North 22nd Street, Tampa, FL

Sunday, Nov. 23 — New Life @South Tampa is looking to help feed 100 families. Following their Sunday service, they will distribute Thanksgiving food boxes to help those in need. These boxes will be first-come, first-serve.

Address: 1002 S. Church Ave., Tampa, FL

Sunday, Nov. 23 — Feed Our Children Ministries will be holding a Thanksgiving Family Event where you can pick up a free turkey, free groceries and get inspirational entertainment as well. You must register by November 21st. This event starts at 11 a.m.

Address: 2225 E. 109th Ave, Tampa, FL

Monday, Nov. 24 — The Pendas Law Firm will be holding its 17th Annual Law Firm Turkey Giveaway. Turkeys will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Address: 816 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd, Tampa, FL

Pinellas County

Wednesday, Nov. 19 — If you are in Clearwater, the Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) is looking to give away 250 free turkeys to help ease the burden this holiday season. Starting at 12 p.m., they will be holding a drive-thru event where residents can receive 1 turkey per vehicle on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Address: 1120 N. Betty Lane, Clearwater, FL 33755

Monday, Nov. 24 — Carey Leisure Carney Trial Attorneys will be holding their 10th Annual Turkey Giveaway in Clearwater. Turkeys will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 10 a.m. (1 per family).

Address: 622 Bypass Drive, Clearwater, FL

Monday, Nov. 24 — The Perenich Law Injury Attorneys will be holding their 6th Annual Turkey Giveback at 10 a.m. while supplies last. 

Address: 25749 US Highway 19 N, Clearwater, FL

Tuesday, Nov. 25 — ICare St. Pete will be holding a drive-thru event where they will be giving away 200 meals that comprise of a turkey, stuffing & gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, mac & cheese and pie. Be ready to show up between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. 

Address: 2330 Dr. Mlk Jr. Street S., St. Petersburg, FL

Metro Ministries is offering a frozen ham or turkey, fresh produce. You must register and go to the area nearest you. Tent locations will offer in-person shopping, whereas pop-up locations will be drive-thru.

Tent Location: Holy Cross Catholic Church 7851 54th Ave N., St. Petersburg, FL
Pop-Up Location: United Way N. Greenwood Resource Center 1310 North Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Clearwater, FL

Pasco County

Polk County

Wednesday, Nov. 19 — The Soni Family Practice in Lakeland will be offering free turkeys (1 per family, while supplies last). The event will start at 10 a.m.

Address: 515 E. Garden St, Suite B, Lakeland, FL

Saturday, Nov. 22 — The Brooks Law Group will be having its 13th Annual Turkey Giveaway (while supplies last). Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and the event starts at 9:30 a.m.

Address: 123 1st Street North, Winter Haven, FL

Saturday, Nov. 22 — Polk Sheriff’s Charities Inc. will host its 8th Annual Free Turkey Giveaway at three Polk County locations. Deputies will be at each location handing out frozen turkeys. One per vehicle on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

1st Location: Church on the Hill 1111 Scenic Hwy, Dundee, FL 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
2nd Location: Lake Region High School 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake, FL 11a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
3rd Location: Lakes Church 1010 East Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Manatee County

Sunday, Nov. 23 — Courtesy Cleaners of Manatee looks to give away 100 Thanksgiving meals. The event is a drive-thru and starts at 8 a.m. while supplies last. Each kit comprises of one frozen turkey, boxed mashed potatoes or boxed dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce and a dessert.

Address: 3509 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, FL

Monday, Nov. 24 — Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is offering a Thanksgiving Drive-through Food Distribution event from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Time is subject to change, while supplies last).

Address: 1820 53rd Ave West, Bradenton, FL

Sarasota County

Wednesday, Nov. 19 — All Faiths Food Bank will be handing out free frozen turkeys and sides for Sarasota County residents. This is a drive-through event. You must provide proof of residency. Available while supplies last. One per household. 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Address: Ed Smith Stadium 2700 12th St., Sarasota, FL

Addtional locations:

– Thursday, Nov. 20 – Englewood Sports Complex 1300 S. River Rd., Englewood, FL 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
– Saturday, Nov. 22 – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 25 — The Gail Baird Foundation will be looking to provide 300 turkeys, side dishes and more to area veterans and their families. Military ID required. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Address: 2010 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL

Hernando County

Citrus County