Where to Find a Free Thanksgiving Meal in Portland

It’s been said over and over again, but it’s true: This year is like no other. This Thanksgiving, in particular, is just going to feel different: Some people aren’t seeing their families; some people have lost the family members they usually see. And for many, it is their first year spending Thanksgiving food insecure, when the cost of a turkey is almost laughable as a potential expense. Some people are still living without unemployment benefits; some people can barely pay rent. And, unlike past years, some of the standing free Thanksgiving dinners, at places like Prost, no longer exist.

Some restaurant and food cart owners saw this Thanksgiving coming, and offered meals for free in advance: Trap Kitchen gave away around 160 Thanksgiving turkeys last weekend. However, there are a handful of places offering Thanksgiving meals for walk-ups, free of charge, packaged up in to-go boxes. Those willing to pay can find a map of restaurants offering Thanksgiving meals here.

Feed the Mass

Time: November 25 at noon
Place: 2305 SE 50th Street
On the menu: Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and a roll with butter
Learn more: feedthemass.org, (971) 350-8291

Matta

Time: Pre-order required, to be picked up between 1 and 3 p.m. November 26
Place: 1533 NE Alberta Street
On the menu: Roast chicken with nước chấm gravy, coconut mashed potatoes, braised bok and yu choy, and pandan bread pudding
Learn more: Place an order by calling or texting (971) 258-2849

Portland Rescue Mission

Time: Wednesday, November 25, at 6 p.m.
Place: 111 W Burnside Street
On the menu: Traditional Thanksgiving fare — Turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the fixings
Learn more: (503) 906-7690

Union Gospel Mission

Time: November 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Place: 3 NW 3rd Avenue
On the menu: Classic Thanksgiving standards
Learn more: facebook.com/ugmportland, (503) 274-4483

GrindWitTryz

Time: November 26 from noon to 4 p.m.
Place: 2017 NE Alberta Street
On the menu: Hawaiian-style Kalua turkey with gravy, mac salad, rice, Hawaiian roll, and dessert
Learn more: instagram.com/grindwittryz, (971) 865-5160

PDX Free Fridge

Time: 24/7
Place: Locations across the Portland area
On the menu: To be determined by the community. Community members stock these fridges with meals and ingredients so people across the Portland area can access a meal when they need one.
Learn more: instagram.com/pdxfreefridge

Other Resources

• The Eater Portland Guide on How to Help Your Community
• Where to Find Free Meals in Portland
• Where to Order Thanksgiving Dinner in Portland