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Free Thanksgiving meals in the WNC area

Free Thanksgiving meals in the WNC area

A turkey stands ready for Turkey Day diners at a free Thanksgiving dinner, Nov. 27, 2024, Swannanoa. Photo: Saga Communications/Pruett Norris


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Thanksgiving is almost here. For community members who are looking to share a hot meal this Turkey Day, we have compiled a list of free Thanksgiving dinners from all over the Asheville area.

Free food for Thanksgiving

Living Waters

When: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19

Where: 7935 Parkway Road, Balsam Grove, North Carolina 28708

What: Hosted by Steve and Joan Hill Ministries and Little Clifty Baptist Church, this free community event will feature small kitchen appliance, food and cash giveaways with free tickets for entry available before 6 p.m.

White Rock Baptist Church

When: Free take-home meal, 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22

Where: 20 White Rock Church Road, Candler 

What: Frozen turkey and fixings available for free pick-up, no registration required. First-come, first-served.

Asheville Poverty Initiative – 12 Baskets Cafe

When: Free, hot meal from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 27

Where: 610 Haywood Road, Asheville

What: A free community cafe serving rescued food to everyone. The cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday for lunch. Free store is also open.

Blue Mountain Pizza

When: Noon to 3 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 27

Where: Blue Mountain Pizza, 55 N Main St., Weaverville

What: Free, traditional Thanksgiving Meal

The Bread of Life 

When: Free, hot meal from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 27

Where: 238 S. Caldwell St, Brevard

What: Free, hot meals and groceries from noon to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday. Dine-in or to-go meals are available, along with any groceries individuals might need.

Embassy Suites Thanksgiving Buffet 

When: Noon to 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 27

Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown, 192 Haywood St.

What: A charity benefit for Eblen Charities and 12 Baskets Café

Additional services 

BeLoved Asheville EAT Card

The EAT gift card program from the Asheville-based nonprofit BeLoved Asheville was created to help families with food insecurity after the end of SNAP benefits. It is a gift card to a local store, giving recipients the freedom to buy food that fits their specific dietary needs.

The EAT Card is distributed by BeLoved Asheville directly to families, often through schools and elder communities. Each card has a specific dollar amount – e.g., $200 – for use at a local grocery store.

Food Connection Fresh Free Meals 

Free food truck provided by Food Connection currently operating in Western North Carolina in Buncombe, Henderson and Madison Counties.

Food truck schedule:

  • Tuesdays in FAIRVIEW:
    • 3 p.m.
    • Fairview Food Lion, 1350 Charlotte Hwy, Fairview
  • Wednesdays in LEICESTER:
    • 5 p.m.
    • Bell United Methodist Church, 17 Mayrand Road, Leicester
  • Thursdays in CANDLER:
    • 3 p.m.
    • Francis Asbury Methodist Church, 725 Asbury Road, Candler
  • Fridays in WEAVERVILLE:
    • 11 a.m.
    • Victory Fellowship Worship Center, 450 Aiken Road, Weaverville
  • Saturdays in SWANNANOA:
    • 10 a.m.
    • Art Space Charter School, 2030 US Hwy 70, Swannanoa

Read more. . .

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