How To Find Thanksgiving Food Pantries And Turkey Giveaways In NJ

As New Jersey families navigate economic uncertainty and rising food costs heading into Thanksgiving, community organizations across the state are stepping up with free meals, turkey giveaways, and food pantry assistance. 

From Newark to Trenton to the Jersey Shore, here’s where you can find help, donate, or volunteer this upcoming holiday week:

Roselle 

Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw and the Borough Council will present their 2025 Thanksgiving Food Drive on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 6 p.m. at Borough Hall, 210 Chestnut St., Roselle. 

Metuchen 

FPC Food Pantry, 270 Woodbridge Ave., Metuchan, will be packing Thanksgiving Food Bags for families. All ages are welcome to volunteer, but children under eight should have an adult present. Volunteers can bring donations and sign up online at https://signup.com/go/PLMKJZw.

Hightstown 

Rise NJ is having their 2025 Thanksgiving Food Drive until Sunday, Nov. 30. While the food drive is accepting gift cards for local grocery stores so families can select fresh items, here are some of the food items Rise is also looking for: 

● Canned vegetables: green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. ● Instant mashed potatoes, stuffing mixes, gravy. 

● Broth: canned or jarred turkey, chicken, or vegetable broth. 

● Canned soups and stews. 

● Baking supplies: flour, sugar, cake mixes, pie crusts, pie fillings, and baking powder. ● Desserts: packaged cookies, cake mixes, and canned pie fillings 

● Dinner rolls or cornbread mixers 

● Canned tuna, chicken or beans, boxed pastas, rice, and instant mac and cheese. ● Personal care items: toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo. 

Donations can be dropped off at Rise Thrift Store, 114 Rogers Ave., Hightstown, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Newark 

Newark’s South Ward residents are invited to a free Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Monday, Nov. 24. I.D. is required for proof of residency. There will be be three locations distributing turkey’s: 

● Allen AME Church, 56 19th Ave., at 2 p.m. 

● Clinton Hill Early Learning Center, 410 Hawthorne Ave., at 4 p.m.

● Newark Housing Authority Community Room, 500 Broad St., at 6 p.m. 

The Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House, 620 Clinton Ave., Newark, will distribute free turkeys to families in need during its Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 11 a.m. 

Trenton 

Trenton will have its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Monday, Nov. 24, at noon until supplies last. Residents are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own bags. 

Turkeys will be distributed at three locations: 

● Unity Square Park, Hamilton Ave. & Chestnut Ave. 

● West Ward Rec Center, 351 Prospect St. 

● George Page Park, North Clinton Ave. & Lawrence St. 

Jersey City 

The Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House will distribute free turkeys to families in need during its Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at its Jersey City location, 20 Greenville Ave., on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 11 a.m. 

St. John’s Lutheran Church, 155 North St., Jersey City, will host their annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. The event is open to all. No reservations are needed. The Church will also be opening their Community Closet during the event to offer free used clothing, coats, blankets, shoes, and accessories for anyone in need. 

Elizabeth 

The Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House will distribute free turkeys to families in need during its Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at its Elizabeth location, 249 Court St., on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 11 a.m. 

Sewell 

Small Business Big Heart will host a Thanksgiving Community Dinner for local seniors, veterans, and families in need on Thursday, Nov. 27, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Washington Township Senior Center, 315 Greentree Rd., Sewell. You can RSVP by emailing MICHELLE.SOTO@CCM.com. 

Passaic 

The 4th annual United Passaic Organization Community Thanksgiving event will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 857 Main Ave., Passaic.

Registration is required online at Eventbrite. You must show ID to confirm you are a Passaic resident. 

Burlington County 

The Christian Caring Center, 378 Lakehurst Rd., Brown Mills, is inviting volunteers to assemble Thanksgiving food baskets on Monday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The food baskets will be distributed to those in need on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 25 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Residents should bring proof of address, a valid ID, and information on their family count to receive the proper basket. 

Tom’s River 

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1500 Hooper Ave., Tom’s River, will provide Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can sit down and enjoy their meal in person or choose a take-out option. No reservations required. 

Seaside Heights 

Simon’s Soup Kitchen, 168 Grant Ave., Seaside Heights, will be providing Thanksgiving dinners to individuals and families on Thursday, Nov. 27, from 2 to 3 p.m. for take-out.