Looking for free Thanksgiving meals in Southwest Florida? It's not too late. This year, more than ever, more Floridians are in need of assistance to feed their families during the holidays. Hurricane Ian damaged hundreds of thousands of homes all over the state. And in many cases, left people homeless.
Over the past week and weekend, many organizations have been distributing turkeys and all the fixins for people needing some help filling their Thanksgiving table. We may be days away, however, food is still available if you want to cook at home. One of the best resources to help you locate food for Thanksgiving is the Harry Chapin Food Bank. They have mobile food pantries making stops all over Southwest Florida this week. Click here to find one close to you.
In addition to the food given out for your home cooking, there are places serving free hot meals on Thanksgiving Day. So many people have non-functional kitchens and homes post Hurricane-Ian. Some don't even have a home. If that is you, you can still experience the holiday through food and fellowship. It just might look a little different.
There are a lot of restaurants serving meals at a range of prices if you don't have a kitchen but you do have the finances and want to go out. Find some here. In the meantime, here are a few places where you can have a free Thanksgiving meal in Southwest Florida.
**We will continue to update this list as we get more information on locations serving free meals for the holiday.
Community Cooperative, Fort Myers
Community Cooperative is still distributing Thanksgiving meals for you to have at home. They are also offering hot meals. The main location is 3429 Martin Luther King Blvd in Fort Myers. However, they also have mobile food pantries. 239-332-7687
Campbell Lodge, Naples
Enjoy all the Thanksgiving Day classics from 12-4 on Thursday. The meal is courtesy of St. Mathews House and it is free. Campbell Lodge is at 2001 Airport Road South. 239-774-0500
Gulf Cove United Methodist Church, Port Charlotte
From 12-3 on Thanksgiving Day the church is hosting a free dinner. However, it will be drive thru this year because of hurricane damage to the church. 1100 S McCall Road or SR776. Just pull up and let them know how many meals you need. Some deliveries can be made to homebound folks in the area. 239-697-1747.
