As we prepare the table for this Thanksgiving, this is a reminder to remember those who might have fallen on hard times given this economy and uncertain political climate. The generosity of Memphis businesses, government agencies and even local families demonstrate what Memphis is really all about.
This list of resources and holiday happenings might not cover everything but the Tri-State Defender hopes it’s a start to someone enjoying a meal with friends and family, reflecting on the hope and love that surrounds us all.
The Lab School of Memphis is hosting its Community Care Event and Food Distribution Friday, November 21st, 1-6pm (until supplies last) at 1738 Galloway Ave.
Over the Top Creations is hosting Feed Families Friday, Nov. 21, 2:30-5 p.m., at 7050 Malco Crossing, Suite 101 (near Riverdale and Winchester, directly behind IHOP).
It Takes a Village + Friends is hosting their 5th annual Feed the Community three-day Thanksgiving Giveaway, where they will give away hot meals and care packages, at the following locations on the following days.
- Saturday, Nov. 22, 12-12 p.m., District 12, 6642 Winchester Ave.
- Sunday, Nov. 23, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Hospitality Hub, 590 Washington Ave.
Hope City Church is hosting a Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway, Saturday, Nov. 22 at Bickford Community Center, 233 Henry Ave, 1-3 pm. One box per family, while supplies last.
Mayor Paul Young and the City of Memphis, along with select partner churches, are leading the way with the annual MemFeast 2025.
All across the city, there will be opportunities to receive food boxes and even a hot meal on Thanksgiving Day.
Food Box distribution dates, times and locations:
Monday, Nov. 24, 1-3 p.m.
Golden Gate Cathedral Church
3240 James Road
Memphis, TN 28128
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 12-2 p.m.
First Baptist Broad
2835 Broad Avenue
Memphis, TN 38112
Wednesday, Nov. 26, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
New Direction Christian Church
6120 Winchester Road
Memphis, TN 28115
Hot Thanksgiving Meal distribution, Thanksgiving Day only:
Thursday, Nov, 27, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Christ Missionary Baptist Church
480 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
For those who would like to take part in the giving spirit, a Holiday Food Drive will take place at Saturday’s FREE Downtown Tree Lighting and Holiday Market. Permanent jewelry maker, Silk & Honey, will in turn offer a $10 discount when 5 canned goods or non-perishable food items are donated.
This event is Saturday, Nov. 22, 4-6 p.m. at the corner of Main Street and Peabody. This is also the site of the Downtown Tree Lighting, which will take place at 4:50 p.m.
Other happenings at the Downtown Tree Lighting event:
- Free photos with Santa starting at 5 p.m.
- Holiday gift shopping with local businesses and
- Live entertainment from The Brown Four, Opera Memphis and Saturday Sunset band
- Complimentary treats (cookies, hot cocoa and lattés, while supplies last)
- Kids’ activities: train rides, face painting, crafts, photo booth
The event is free but RSVPs are encouraged via Eventbrite here.
State Sen. London Lamar is working with local business, Beauty & Company, to spread hope through Project Feed the Need – Annual Turkey Drive. The event will feature food distribution and live performances.
The event is Tuesday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. and will take place at 2685 S. Perkins Road. This event is free and open to the public.
Also on Nov. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., local business Wen10 is hosting Wen10 Turkey and Friends Give Back, at the Raleigh Community Center. The event will feature 1,000 turkey giveaways, other free food and gift card giveaways.
Bain Barbecue is giving back to its customers for four years of patronage and support. They will host a Thanksgiving Day lunch, Nov. 27, starting at 10 a.m., at their location at 993 Cooper Street. The lunch will feature traditional Thanksgiving fare, while supplies last.
Recent TSD Best in Black winner, R S Lewis & Sons Funeral Home, in conjunction with Mississippi Blvd. Christian Church, is hosting MEM Giving, Hot Meals & Essentials Giveaway. The event will feature free Thanksgiving meals and take place Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2-4 p.m., at the funeral home’s Walnut Grove location: 2944 Walnut Grove Rd.
Legacy Church is hosting Legacy Cares, a Thanksgiving Dinner experience, in their Fellowship Hall on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The church is located at 7054 St. Elmo St. Bartlett. The event is free but attendees are encouraged to RSVP here.
Other meals giveaways and food pantries that operate regularly throughout Memphis neighborhoods include:
- Catholic Charities, Downtown/Midtown, 1325 Jefferson Ave., distribution at 85 N. Cleveland, Monday through Thursday, 9-11 a.m. Bring valid Shelby County ID.
- Binghampton United Methodist Mission, 258 N. Merton St., Tuesdays and Fridays, 8-11 a.m.
- Deliverance Temple Pantry, North Memphis, 1377 N. Bellevue Blvd., second Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Faith Light Outreach, Berclair, 1435 Wells Station Rd., third Tuesdays, 5-7 p.m.
- Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry, Christ Missionary Baptist Church, South Memphis, 480-494 South Parkway East, Wednesdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- First Baptist Church Broad, Binghampton – 2954 Broad Ave, Mondays, 2 p.m. Bring valid ID and shopping bags.
- CrossPointe Church – Olive Branch, Miss., 7105 MS-305, Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
And 901 Community Fridges routinely posts on its social media pages when community members have stocked their fridges, which are located all around the city. Memphis residents are encouraged to take only what they need and leave some for others in need. Email 901CommunityFridges@gmail.com for more information.
Known locations:
- Tillman Road (Binghampton)
- 7400 Cordova Club Dr. E (Cordova)
- 1000 S. Cooper Street
- 999 Pierce Street
- Highland Ave.
