Turkey is the time-honored centerpiece of most Thanksgiving Day meals. The USDA says that the average wholesale price for a frozen whole turkey will be 96 cents, which is 44 cents less than the average price in 2023. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for deals. People are lucky because they can get a cheap or even free turkey from a lot of different places.
We’ve found the best deals in 2024 to make sure you can afford that tasty bird that will be the center of your Thanksgiving table.
As Thanksgiving 2023 approaches, you may be wondering where you can get a free turkey to serve as the centerpiece of your holiday meal. With budgets tightened amid inflation and rising costs, a free turkey can help many families pull off the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Luckily, there are several places offering free turkeys or discounted prices this Thanksgiving season Here are the best options for scoring a free or inexpensive turkey for your 2023 Thanksgiving meal
Check Your Local Food Bank
One of the best sources of a free turkey is your local food bank. Food banks across the country distribute free turkey vouchers or actual frozen turkeys through Thanksgiving turkey drives.
Here’s how to find a free turkey at a food bank near you
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Contact your local food bank – Call or check their website for turkey distribution details. Many list dates, times and any requirements.
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Inquire at local pantries – Even if the food bank is far, they supply nearby pantries and kitchens that may give turkeys.
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See if delivery is offered – Some food banks will deliver a turkey or meal box right to your door if you meet eligibility.
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Sign up if required – Some food banks require signing up for a turkey voucher ahead of time.
Connecting with your local food bank is the top way to get a free turkey for Thanksgiving this year.
Check For Free Turkey Deals at Grocery Stores
Many grocery stores offer free turkey promotions during the holidays to attract shoppers. Taking advantage of these specials can score you a free bird.
Here are some grocery stores offering free turkeys in 2023 with qualifying purchases:
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Acme – Spend $300+ between 11/10-11/28 to get a free turkey coupon.
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Foodtown – Spend $400+ with your Club Card for a free 10-20 lb. turkey.
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Giant – Earn 400 Choice Points by 11/28 to redeem for a free turkey.
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Hy-Vee – Buy a select ham or turkey and get a free 10-14 lb. Honeysuckle turkey.
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ShopRite – Earn points from 10/20-Thanksgiving to redeem for a free turkey.
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Weis – Earn 400 Weis Rewards points for a free turkey voucher.
Check circulars and call your local grocery store to confirm free turkey deals. The purchase requirements vary.
Look for Discounted Turkeys
Even if not free, some grocery stores offer special discounted pricing on turkeys leading up to Thanksgiving. This can still save you significant money compared to full price.
Here are some stores expected to run turkey discounts:
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Aldi – Thanksgiving basket deal with discounted turkey for under $50 to feed 10.
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City Market – Kroger brand and Butterball turkeys discounted up to 50% off.
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Cub Foods – Butterballs and store brand turkeys discounted in weekly ad specials.
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Meijer – mPerks members can get turkeys for as low as $0.99/lb.
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Shaw’s – Turkeys discounted for shoppers spending $25+ the week of Thanksgiving.
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Walmart – Has some of the lowest turkey prices, as low as $0.88/lb for Butterball.
Check the weekly circulars at major grocery chains for the best turkey discounts leading up to the big day.
Look Into Turkey Donations For Families In Need
If you are unable to afford a turkey this year, there are many charities providing free turkey dinners or baskets to families in need:
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Local food banks – Provide Thanksgiving food boxes with a turkey and sides.
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Meals on Wheels – Offers donated Thanksgiving meals with turkey and trimmings.
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The Salvation Army – Distributes free food baskets and hosts community meals.
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Church groups – Many churches organize turkey and food drives for the holidays.
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Community organizations – Nonprofits like United Way run holiday donation programs.
Reaching out to these charities in your area is a great option if your family needs assistance getting a turkey this Thanksgiving.
Take Advantage of Free Turkey Deals
With some planning and research, you can find great ways to get a discounted or free turkey this Thanksgiving 2023. Taking advantage of food bank giveaways, store specials, or community donations can help you save money on this holiday staple.
A little effort goes a long way towards getting a free turkey to make the holidays special. Search food banks, check grocery store ads, and ask local charities about donation programs in your area. With so many options, you can find a free turkey for your family this Thanksgiving.
How to Get a Free Turkey This Year
There are a lot of grocery stores that offer free turkey deals to get more hungry holiday shoppers in and help people stick to their budgets.
It’s not usually a good idea to spend $300 on random things just to get a bird that you could get for $20 to $30. But if you’re going to spend that money anyway, why not get the turkey on the house?.
This holiday season, think about the food you’ll be making. If you need to buy more spices, dried herbs, or other ingredients that will last, you can do so now. Stock, flour, sugar, canned goods and more will keep through the next cooking cycle. One word of caution about our list: these deals are different at each store, so you should call ahead to make sure your favorite one is taking part.
Here are stores that have announced their free turkey promos for 2024.
Acme is giving away free turkeys when you clip the free turkey coupon on its website.
Then, you’ll have to spend $300 or more while shopping through Nov. 28. You can get your free turkey at the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states chain once you’ve spent that much.
Foodtown locations in the Northeast are rewarding customers with a free 10- to 20-pound turkey when they shop with their Club Card. You will need to spend $400 before Thanksgiving.
You can pick a ham, a turkey breast, a family-sized Stouffer’s frozen lasagna, or a $10 Foodtown gift card if you don’t want a whole frozen turkey.
If you can bank 400 Giant Choice Reward points by Nov. 28, you can redeem your points for a certificate for a free turkey up to 20 pounds.
You can exchange your certificate for a free Stouffer’s family-size lasagna or a free tofurky roast if you don’t like turkey. You can also choose to donate your turkey through Giant to a local food bank.
You can redeem your certificate beginning Nov. 15.
Purchase a Hormel Cure 81 ham or a Honeysuckle turkey, and Hy-Vee will reward you with a free 10- to 14-pound Honeysuckle turkey.
First, you have to earn points on purchases from Oct. 20 through Thanksgiving with your Price Plus club card.
Once you spend a certain amount (check your local store’s circular for details), present your Price Plus club card to the cashier to receive one of 10 free items, including a free turkey up to 21 pounds, turkey breast, chicken, lasagna, Gardein plant-based roast, tofurky, ham or a whole picnic.
You can pick up your free item any day up to and including Thanksgiving Day.
If you’re part of Weis’ rewards program, your reward points could get you a Thanksgiving turkey for free.
It’s pretty simple: From Oct. 20 through Nov. 28, you earn one point for every dollar you spend, and it takes 400 points to receive a free turkey, tofurky roast, tofurky ham, frozen lasagna or frozen mac and cheese.
You also have the option to purchase discounted turkeys and hams after earning 200 points. Say you spend 200 points in the rewards program and then get a Weis frozen turkey for 39 cents per pound.
It’s important to remember that your points do expire. The date is written on the bottom of your receipts. You can claim your free turkey until Nov. 28.
Is Your Paycheck Not Going As Far As It Used To?
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When money is tight, these resources will help nearly everyone.
A $30 Thanksgiving is Possible in 2023! And How to Get a Free Turkey!
FAQ
Where in Brooklyn can I get a free turkey?
What is Cracker Barrel offering for Thanksgiving?
How does Safeway Free turkey work?
How much do you have to spend to get a free turkey at Acme?
Can I get a free Turkey for Thanksgiving 2024?
Free turkeys sold as whole turkey only. No rainchecks for specific brands/weights will be issued if product within the same brand/weight range is available. OFFER EXPIRES THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Get a Free turkey or ham for Thanksgiving 2024 with our exclusive holiday promotion.
Where can I get free Turkey meals in 2024?
Free turkey meals can also be provided by the Salvation Army during 2024. The faith based church group requests donations from the public and they also enter into partnership with grocery stores or local businesses. They will usually serve a dinner on site. Or in some exceptional cases they will deliver a food box to the sick or elderly.
Where can I get free Thanksgiving turkey?
We have a long list of places, including grocery stores, restaurants, and even major retailers. Historically, KCL had tracked free Thanksgiving turkey promotions and put the info on blast so you can save money on your holiday meal prep.
Can you get free Turkey at Giant?
From now through Thanksgiving Day, use your Choice Rewards card to earn points on all your purchases at Giant and earn 1% cash back. When you reach 400 points, you can redeem them for one of the following: Free frozen turkey (up to 20 pounds). $1 per pound off the price of any other turkey (up to 20 pounds). Free Stouffer’s Party Size Lasagna.
Can you get a free Turkey from giant rewards?
When Giant rewards members earn 400 rewards ($400) points between now and Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 23), they can redeem their points for a free frozen Shady Brooks Farms turkey up to 20 pounds starting Nov. 11 until Nov. 23. Points can also be used toward a free Tofurky or Stouffer’s party size lasagna, or $1 off per pound on any other turkey brand.
Can you get a Turkey for free in Foodtown?
Sign up for a ButcherBox subscription plan and get a 10- to 14-pound turkey for free with your first ButcherBox delivery through Nov. 12. Plus, earn 1% cash back. Foodtown customers in the Northeast who use their club card to purchase $400 or more between now and Thanksgiving Day can get a free frozen turkey (10 to 20 pounds).