According to Feeding America, Virginia’s food insecurity rate is about 12%.
That means just over 1 million households in the state can’t access enough food because they don’t have enough money or lack other resources.
The recent federal government shutdown, which led to an unprecedented pause in SNAP benefits, and the Trump Administration’s ongoing cuts to federal programs have made it harder for individuals to afford food and put a strain on charitable organizations that usually help those in need.
Still, there are groups in Hampton Roads providing the main course for Thanksgiving this year, and some will even do the cooking and deliver.
Check below to find Thanksgiving meal giveaways or free meals. Be sure to check organizations’ websites or call in advance with any questions.
If you are an organization planning a holiday meal giveaway or free community meal, please email event details (date, time, location and a link) to news@whro.org.
CHESAPEAKE
Buffalow Family and Friends Community Days Annual Thanksgiving Community Day Dinner
Multiple times available from Nov. 22-27
2403 Bainbridge Blvd., Chesapeake
Provides and delivers hundreds of meals to Chesapeake families and hosts a community sit-down dinner. Check the organization’s website for more information.
Come to the table: Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov. 27, 2–5 p.m.
Faithlight Fellowship, 1119 Lindale Drive, Chesapeake
Free community meal.
VIRGINIA BEACH
Urban League of Hampton Roads Thanksgiving Food Drive
Nov. 22, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. or until supplies run out
Ebenezer Baptist Church, 965 Baker Rd., Virginia Beach
Free turkeys and holiday fixings, with Walmart providing all side items to help families prepare a complete Thanksgiving meal.
2nd Annual Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway hosted by Dels. Alex Askew and Michael Feggans
Nov. 22, 11 a.m.– 2 p.m.
New Jerusalem Ministries, 5184 Singleton Way, Virginia Beach
Free Thanksgiving basket giveaway. Contact info@michaelfeggans.com or call/text 757-204-1524 with the name and address of the person in need. Pickup will be at New Jerusalem Ministries.
Drive-thru Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
Nov. 23, 2–4 p.m.
Calvary Virginia Beach Church, 4832 Haygood Rd, Virginia Beach
Drive-thru holiday meal kit giveaway. Register in advance to guarantee a kit. At 4 p.m., any unclaimed meals will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thanksgiving meal and banquet
Nov. 23, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
International Christian Church, 2969 Holland Rd., Virginia Beach
Share a free Thanksgiving meal. Meal assistance gift cards will be distributed during the banquet.
Turkey gift card giveaway
Nov. 23, 3–5 p.m.
317 30th St., Virginia Beach
Ruloff, Haddad & Woodward law firm and Hunt Club Farm will provide gift cards for families to purchase Thanksgiving food. No registration required.
Thanksgiving Community Dinner
Nov. 27, 1–3 p.m.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1489 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach
Join the church for a free meal. Bring a side dish to share or just yourself.
Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov. 27, Noon–3 p.m.
Village Church, 4013 Indian River Rd., Virginia Beach
Dine-in or take-out Thanksgiving dinner. Request your meal by texting or calling 757-450-8368.
GLOUCESTER
Abingdon Episcopal Church
Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
4645 George Washington Memorial Highway, Hayes
Activities for kids, fellowship for adults and even a TV for those who don't want to miss the game.
HAMPTON
Community Health Resource Fair and Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway
Nov. 22, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Kenneth Wallace Neighborhood Resource Center, 2315 Victoria Blvd., Hampton
Community health resource fair and Thanksgiving meal giveaway.
Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Nov. 24, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Mary W. Jackson Neighborhood Center, 123 Lincoln St., Hampton
Free turkeys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. One turkey per family. For more information, call 757-727-6100.
NEWPORT NEWS
Andrew Shannon Feeding 5000
Nov. 22, 12:30 p.m. until supplies run out (meals served until 2:30 p.m.)
New Beech Baptist Church, 361 Beechmont Drive, Newport News
Provides free hot meals to anyone, along with entertainment, speakers and performances. Meals will be served until 2:30 p.m. while supplies last.
Beervana Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov. 27, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
2 Hidenwood Blvd., Suite #64
Grab-and-Go meals for those in need and first responders. Call 757-310-6600 for more information.
Pearlie’s Restaurant 18th Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov. 27, Noon–3 p.m.
Pearlie’s Restaurant, 2108 Jefferson Ave., Newport News
Tiffany’s Soul Food and Catering will serve a free Thanksgiving meal at Pearlie’s. Call 757-439-5923 for more information or to make a donation.
NORFOLK
Impact VA Incorporated presents 17th Annual Turkey Trailer
Nov. 22, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Military Circle Mall Parking Lot, 880 N. Military Highway, Norfolk
Turkey giveaway event in partnership with Boyd Gaming, Pamunkey Indian Tribe, Sentara Healthcare and others.
Bobeep & Renee Inc.’s 1st Annual Turkey Drive 2025
Nov. 22, 11 a.m.
Ingleside Recreation Center, 948 Ingleside Road, Norfolk
1st Annual Turkey Drive.
Thanks Giving Community Dinner by Chanel Cafe & Catering
Nov. 22, 1-3 p.m.
1010 Park Ave., Norfolk
Chanel Cafe & Catering invites anyone to come to a free meal to share delicious food and good company.
Kroc Free Thanksgiving Service and Lunch
Nov. 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 1401 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk
Free meal following a worship service.
Jasassy Cares Foundation 2nd Annual Turkey giveaway
Nov. 23, Noon.
880 N Military Highway, behind McDonald's, Norfolk
Drive-thru Turkey distribution. One turkey per car.
Free Thanksgiving meal with WNSB Hot 91
Nov. 27, Noon–3 p.m.
Martin’s Soulfood, 5700 Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk
Join Martin’s Soulfood and Hot 91 WNSB for a free dine-in meal. First-come, first-served basis. Call 757-803-2795 for more information.
PORTSMOUTH
Douglass Park Elementary Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Nov. 22, 9 a.m.
34 Grand St., Portsmouth
Turkey giveaway hosted with Communities in Schools.
A Day of Giving
Nov. 22, Noon–4 p.m.
The Dream Center, 2701 Columbus Ave., Portsmouth
Turkeys, gently used clothes, and collard greens are available. Bring your own bags for greens. Contact Rashad at 757-839-9877 or Carlton at 301-461-2966 for more information.
Manor High Turkey Drive
Nov. 23, 1–3 p.m.
1401 Elmhurst Lane, Portsmouth
Hosted by the Finney Family First Foundation, the event will have turkeys and other food.
Drive-thru turkey giveaway
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.
The Up Center, 1805 Airline Blvd, Portsmouth
Pick up a free Thanksgiving meal kit with everything you need for a traditional holiday dinner. Meal kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Military and Family Thanksgiving
Nov. 27, 5-8 p.m.
926 Cherokee Rd., Portsmouth
West Park Church of Christ hosts a Thanksgiving dinner for military families with games and prizes.
Community Thanksgiving Feast
Nov. 29, 3–8 p.m.
Holy Communion Lutheran Church, 6220 Portsmouth Blvd.
Community Thanksgiving Feast.
