Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time to catch up with friends and family. It can also be very stressful! Cooking a Thanksgiving meal requires money, time, and physical ability. Some years, we just don’t have access to all of those.
There are many excellent options in and around Collin County to assist with a Thanksgiving meal. If you or someone you know needs help with Thanksgiving food — getting ingredients to cook with or receiving a fully prepared meal — check out these resources below and contact the one(s) in your area.
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Thanksgiving Food Assistance
Allen Food Pantry :: Allen :: Every year, the Allen Food Pantry provides Thanksgiving food assistance to its clients in Allen, Lucas, and Fairview. To become a food bank client, fill out the online application or visit the pantry during opening hours on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Applicants must show proof of residence. Call 214-644-2090 for more information.
Community Garden Kitchen (CGK) :: McKinney :: Winner of several community impact awards, CGK invites guests to its Thanksgiving meal on November 26 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Guests will be welcomed by a greeter, escorted to a table, and a server will take their order — no standing in line.
As a free meal restaurant, CGK provides a meal to anyone who walks through its doors — no paperwork or ID required, and it doesn’t matter where you live. It is open Monday through Thursday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Call 214-842-8426 or email [email protected] for more information.
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Frisco Family Services :: Frisco :: The Thanksgiving Meal Program provides everything needed to cook a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home. Qualified individuals and families navigating a crisis in Frisco receive a turkey, side dishes, and more. The donations will be distributed Saturday, November 23. For more information, call 972-335-9495.
Grace Bridge :: Celina :: This is a drive-thru food distribution event at First Celina Baptist Church for residents of Collin, Denton, and Grayson Counties on Saturday, November 23. Participants must register online. No documentation is required. Time slots for pickup will be given after online registration.
Local Good Center :: Plano :: Have a warm Thanksgiving lunch on Thursday, November 28 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This is a free event, and no registration required. Stay in touch for more information on its free food distribution events. Call 469-366-9095.
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Minnie’s Food Pantry :: Plano :: Minnie’s Thanksgiving Giveaway is for everyone and will take place mid-November through early December. Participants must register online. No documentation is required. Pick up location details, including date and time, will be assigned after registration. Contact 972-596-0253 for more information.
Neighbors Nourishing Neighbors :: Prosper :: Its Thanksgiving food distribution will be the week of November 18 – 22. Register online for an appointment. You must be a resident of Collin, Denton, or Grayson counties.
Seven Loaves Food Pantry :: Plano :: In addition to its regular allocation of food, the pantry will provide a bag of traditional Thanksgiving side-dish ingredients this month at the Store House Community Center. Note: The pantry is closed the week of Thanksgiving. Those who want to receive assistance can make an appointment online, visit the pantry at the appointed time, and present the confirmation email to receive the food distribution. Eligible participants are those in need who meet the income qualifications of The Emergency Food Assistance Program. For more information, call 469-385-1813 or email [email protected].
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University of North Texas at Dallas :: Dallas :: UNT’s annual holiday drive-thru food pantry will take place Saturday, November 23 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Ongoing Food Distribution
All Community Outreach (ACO) :: Allen :: For Collin County residents, ACO’s food pantry is a self-choice pantry for individuals and families, meaning approved applicants can shop for and choose their own items at the food pantry. ACO will have holiday meal items stocked in its food pantry on Main Street throughout November and December. Collin County residents can apply online. For more information, call 972-727-9131.
North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) :: multiple locations :: NTFB is a non-profit organization addressing hunger relief in North Texas. It partners with nearly 500 local agencies and organizations in 13 counties. Find a North Texas Area Food Bank partner near you.
The Salvation Army :: multiple locations :: The Salvation Army has 13 food pantry locations in North Texas. Find a pantry near you.
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More Food Assistance in Collin County
Contact these additional organizations in the area to inquire about food assistance.
Collin County Meals on Wheels :: multiple locations :: 972-562-6996
Community Food Pantry of McKinney :: McKinney :: 972-547-4404
Community Lifeline Center :: McKinney :: 972-542-0020
God’s Pantry :: Plano :: 972-633-9777
Hope Restored Missions :: Plano :: 214-501-2181
