Rising Turkey Costs and where to get the best Thanksgiving deals
Rising turkey costs means that more families may not be able to afford one for Thanksgiving. Here’s our list of where to get the best turkey deals.
Each year, a host of local nonprofits, buoyed by generous individual donations and foundation grants, help make a holiday Thanksgiving meal possible for Cape Codders experiencing financial hardship.
The classic centerpiece of the Thanksgiving dinner – the turkey – can be the hardest item to procure. These six places on Cape Cod are giving out free turkeys to families in need.
Here’s where to find them, how to register for turkeys and how to help.
Family Pantry of Cape Cod in Harwich
According to Executive Director Paul Lonergan, the pantry will donate more than 900 turkeys to clients who have pre-registered through the food pantry program at several locations: Queen Anne Road, Harwich, the pantry at Cape Cod Community College or the mobile pantries accessed through local councils on aging. Lonergan said that turkeys and meal fixings for more than 600 dinners will be provided by “local groups and individuals, neighbors in the communities we serve, our volunteers, and the Family Pantry of Cape Cod.”
Lonergan noted that while recent restrictions imposed by national programs like SNAP have been “impactful,” he emphasized that local Cape Cod food distribution networks are prepared “to weather any storm.” The day after the announcement was made about curtailing some SNAP programs, he said that a record 324 people were supplied with food from Family Pantry locations. More info: Family Pantry of Cape Cod, 133 Queen Anne Road, Harwich. (508-432-6519)
Salvation Army, Hyannis
The Salvation Army will supply approximately 100 families with the donation of a frozen turkey and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal, with distribution beginning Nov. 24. According to Major Corno, the church’s new pastor, monetary donations are welcome – for more information, please contact the Salvation Army, 100 North St., Hyannis. (508-775-0364)
Lower Cape Outreach Council, Orleans
The Council helps clients on the Lower and Outer Cape, from Brewster to Provincetown. This year’s Turkey Drive takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 15 at The Farm, 40 Rock Harbor Road in Orleans, when the garden center will collect frozen turkeys along with ingredients for side dish favorites. Turkeys are needed by Nov. 19 for distribution to registered clients. According to Gerry Desautels, director of development for the council, “We anticipate serving 800+ families this year with a complete turkey meal, including fresh produce and fixings.”
Supplies can be dropped off before Nov. 19 at the Outreach Council office, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Monetary donations are also welcome – visit www.lcoutreach.org for information, or contact the main office at 19 Brewster Cross Road, Orleans. (774-684-2153)
Falmouth Service Center
This year, Turkey Drop-Off Day takes place on Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Frozen turkeys may be delivered to the center at 611 Gifford St., Falmouth. Turkey baskets containing a bird and all the fixings will be distributed to local FSC-registered clients who’ve signed up to receive dinners. The service center is at 611 Gifford St., Falmouth. (508-548-2794)
Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands
Elder Services has partnered with Stop & Shop to provide holiday meals for its clients on Cape Cod. More than 300 “Grab & Go” meals will offer free heat-and-serve dinners to pre-registered adults age 60 and over, including a 3-lb. turkey breast, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Pickup will take place in Falmouth, Brewster and Provincetown on Nov. 25. For more information, contact Elder Services of Cape Cod, 68 Route 134, South Dennis. (508-394-4630, x280)
Community Action Committee of Cape Cod and Islands and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Barnstable
The two organizations will partner for their 16th annual “Turkeys for Cape Codders” program, providing more than 200 frozen turkeys and grocery gift cards to area residents, making possible “a bountiful and nutritious Thanksgiving meal” for these local families, according to the event’s planners.
This year’s expanded program, which will supply meals to its list of pre-registered clients, was greatly aided by a $10,000 grant from the Yawkey Foundation. Turkeys and gift cards will be distributed to the families on Nov. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the CAC office in Hyannis, 88 North St., Hyannis. (508-771-1717)
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