ITHACA, N.Y.—With Thanksgiving just a few days away, there are free meal opportunities in several places around Tompkins County for people who need some extra help before the holiday.
The first notable event is at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) on Nov. 17, when the organization will hold its annual Harvest Festival Dinner from 4:45-7:30 p.m. at 301 W. Court St. in Ithaca, where people can pick up a free turkey or vegetarian meal.
Loaves & Fishes, located in St. John’s Episcopal Church at 210 N. Cayuga St. in Ithaca, will be providing free meals next week for anyone with no eligibility required, as the organization normally does. Thanksgiving lunch is being served on Nov. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Loaves & Fishes is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but the Salvation Army Of Ithaca, which is located at 150 N. Albany St., will be providing free Thanksgiving meals on the holiday. Those looking to eat-in can go from 12-1 p.m., and to-go meals will be served from 11-11:45 a.m. Those who would like a to-go meal should call (607) 273-2400 by Nov. 21 to place an order. The menu includes turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, grean bean casserole, corn, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, rolls and assorted pies, according to the Salvation Army.
Luna Street Food and Beacon Events & Catering will be preparing free meals for delivery or pick-up on Nov. 22 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Register at the link. Volunteers are also being sought to deliver meals, which will be picked up at Beacon at 1638 E. Shore Dr. in Ithaca.
There are also plenty of food pantries around the area with hours between now and Thanksgiving, like the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County, Southside Community Center and many more. More options around the county can be found through the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, the Southworth Library and the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County.
Any more suggestions? Feel free to send them to us at tips@ithacavoice.org and they will be added to this article.