JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The recent government shutdown took a toll on many families trying to make ends meet, which means putting together traditional holiday meals will be a challenge for some this year.
Having a meal on the table means everything to families during the holiday season, but there is some hope, thanks to local food drives happening across the area.
During this season of giving, there are several opportunities for families to grab a turkey at free distributions.
Military families will get some help this afternoon on base with an event hosted by Winn-Dixie and the USO Jacksonville outside the Naval Air Station Jacksonville entrance. It goes from 4-6 p.m. and you need your military ID with you to pick up food.
Also happening Thursday, Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida has its food pantry open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You have to book an appointment online at www.lssjax.org/pantry. Appointments run every weekday until next Tuesday, Nov. 25 but currently, the next available slots are only Monday and Tuesday.
The Can-U-Care Thanksgiving event Thursday is one of several holiday programs hosted by The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida. More than 500 pre-selected people will receive a turkey and boxed food items to make a delicious Thanksgiving Day meal.
“Thanksgiving is a special time, and The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida is committed to reminding everyone in our community that they are loved and valued—no matter their current circumstances,” said Maj. Keath Biggers, Area Commander.
On Saturday, Feed The City will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 613 W. Ashley St. in downtown, the Breakthrough Center Church is having its giveaway at noon on the corner of Flicker Avenue and U.S. 1, and Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr. and his father, former Councilman Reggie Gaffney Sr., will host a giveaway of 800 turkeys, starting at 9 a.m. at the Old JC Penney at Dunn Avenue and Lem Turner Road (first come, first served with one turkey per family).
Next week, Catholic Charities Jacksonville is hosting a special Thanksgiving food distribution on Nov. 26 at 10:30 a.m. The pantry plans to distribute food to more than 60 households on a first-come, first-served basis.
Food bags will contain holiday staples like stuffing, potatoes, pumpkin and cornbread -- and each family will receive a turkey with their food bag, thanks to an anonymous donor this year.
Clients are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 a.m. to ensure they receive a ticket at registration. One ticket is permitted per household, and you must be present when your number is called.
For those looking to help, Catholic Charities Jacksonville welcomes monetary donations at CCBJax.org/donate.
Thanksgiving costs
There’s also some good news for the wallet: Thanksgiving prices are trending down for a third-straight year.
The American Farm Bureau says it’s a 5% decrease compared to 2024. The average turkey is going to cost you $21.50, which is down, more than 16% from last year.
That currently average out to about $55 to feed a family of 10, or $5.52 per person.
Overall across the country, the south region comes in as the most affordable place to make a Thanksgiving meal at $50.
If you know of a local charity or business offering help for the holidays, email webteam@wjxt.com and we can add it to our list.