Whether it’s a free meal, food giveaway or both, the following organizations in and around Alachua County are working to ensure no one goes hungry or feels lonely during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.  

Each event is open to families and individuals of all ages. 

Thursday, Nov. 20 

Pine Grove Baptist Church Thanksgiving Boxes 
When: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 
Where: Pine Grove Baptist Church (16655 NW County Rd. 339, Trenton) 
The church will give away 100 Thanksgiving boxes, first-come, first-served, to bless Tri-County families this season. 

Friday, Nov. 21 

Palms Medical Group Food Giveaway 
When: 10 a.m. 
Where: Palms Medical Group (1830 N Main St., Bell) 
A drive-up, first-come, first-served food giveaway open to the public. Each meal includes a frozen turkey, along with other food items to complete a Thanksgiving spread for a single family. 

Saturday, Nov. 22 

Bread of the Mighty Harvest Helpings Distribution 
When: 9 a.m. 
Where: Alachua County Facilities Management (6125 NW 18th Dr., Gainesville) 
Bread of the Mighty (BOTM), a branch of Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL), will host its second annual Harvest Helpings initiative. The drive-thru event sponsored by Morgan & Morgan will assist 600 families with turkeys, fresh produce and other holiday essentials for those facing food insecurity. 

Share The Harvest Free Thanksgiving Dinner 
When: 11 a.m. while supplies last 
Where: New Beginning Christian Worship Center (815 N Division St., Micanopy) 
This annual event aims to bless individuals and families who may be experiencing food insecurity, loneliness, or simply need a warm, welcoming place to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

“Share The Harvest is our way of saying, ‘you matter, you are loved, and you belong,’” said Bishop Christopher Stokes, Senior Pastor of New Beginning Christian Worship Center. “Our doors are open to everyone.”  

Sunday, Nov. 23 

Thanksgiving in the Park 
When: 11 a.m. 
Where: Lois Forte Park (120 NW 260th St., Newberry) 
Celebrate Thanksgiving with this worship service and free meal featuring an inspiring message, live music, a bounce house, turkey and a grocery giveaway. There will also be free turkey voucher giveaways to families in need of a turkey for Thanksgiving. 

Victory Chapel CFM Thanksgiving Family Dinner 
When: 10:30 a.m. to noon 
Where: Victory Chapel CFM (2108 SW 13th St., Gainesville) 
Come celebrate God’s goodness with great food, fellowship and gratitude. 

Tuesday, Nov. 25 

7th Annual Phillip & Sons, The Funeral Directors, Inc. Turkey Giveaway 
When and where: 10 a.m.-noon at Melrose Chapel (310 SR 26, Melrose), 1 p.m. until gone at Alachua Chapel (15303 NW 140th St., Alachua) 
Join for a day dedicated to blessing the community and honoring the memory of the funeral’s founder, Bernard S. Phillip, whose spirit of generosity lives on through this tradition. The event is drive-up only with one turkey per family. 

Thursday, Nov. 27 

Cross Point Church of God Thanksgiving & Christmas Dinner 
When: 5 p.m. 
Where: Cross Point Church of God (1001 NE 16th Ave., Gainesville) 
Bring family and friends to enjoy a night of fellowship, joy and delicious catered food to celebrate the holiday season together. 

High Springs Lions Club Thanksgiving Feast 
When: 1 p.m. 
Where: High Springs Lions Club (26900 West US Hwy 27, High Springs) 
Come out and spend the day with great food, good friends and lots of cheer. There will be plenty of turkey and ham to go around; just bring yourself and some sides or a dessert. For those who are culinary challenged and want to give back, feel free to bring a can or box of food for the food drive. 

Saturday, Nov. 29 

Peacefield Post-Thanksgiving Turkey-Free Feast 
When: Noon-2 p.m. 
Where: Peacefield (2220 SW 146th St., Newberry) 
Bring a friend or meet a new one while celebrating Mary the turkey’s freedom and enjoy some delicious vegan food. Feel free to bring a vegan dish, appetizer or dessert (not containing meat, eggs or dairy) to share.