Normally, when we cover free food in Maine, it’s about freebies for birthdays or one-off fun giveaways. However, this article is more akin to our articles about SNAP-EBT benefits and the like. It focuses on where families in need can find free holiday meals this year.
Free Holiday Meals in Maine
One in five Maine children face hunger on a regular basis, according to Feeding America, and that includes at the holidays. While there are plenty of places that serve meals, we’re focusing on organizations and other groups who are distributing holiday meals or food boxes.
To be honest, we’re writing this a bit late for Thanksgiving 2024. Nonetheless, I’ve come across info on last-minute ways to get a free Thanksgiving meal. Then, as the holiday season progresses, I’ll add in details about Christmas meals, if they exist.
Where to Go for a Free Holiday Food Box
The information included here was accurate as of this writing. Things can always change, places can run out of food so please double check the day of that the meals are still available. This list is organized in alphabetical order by organization, not town or country.
Arundel Holiday Food Baskets
You can reach out to the Town of Arundel if you need a holiday food basket in November or December.
Kennebunk Holiday Food Box Program
Individuals and families who are residents of Kennebunk can request these food boxes which offer you the ability to cook a full holiday meal at home. The deadline for Thanksgiving has already passed. You can still register online for a Christmas meal box.
Stroudwater Food Pantry
The Stroudwater Food Pantry in Portland has one more day for its Thanksgiving food box distribution. It is Wednesday, November 27, from 12 noon to 3 pm. Check the Stroudwater Food Pantry Facebook page for more details.
Yarmouth Maine Community Food Pantry
This year, the Yarmouth Community Food Pantry is giving away 1,500 pounds of food for Thanksgiving meals in their holiday boxes. It’s not clear if they have a similar program for Christmas meal boxes. Check the Yarmouth Community Food Pantry Facebook page for updates.
York County Food Pantry, Alfred, Maine
There’s still time to get a Thanksgiving Meal Basket from the York County Food Pantry in Alfred. Location at 5 Swetts Bridge Road, basket distribution is on the following days and times:
- Tuesday, November 26: 9-3
- Wednesday, November 27: 9-3
No information yet on whether there will be a similar distribution for holiday meals in December.
Other Holiday Free Food Offers
Here are additional ways that families can secure free food for the holidays. Some of these are giveaways or have limited quantities so act fast.
IGA Wells, 1517 Post Road
The IGA supermarket in Wells is giving away 200 free Thanksgiving turkeys on Tuesday, November 26 starting at 11 am.
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