As the holiday season approaches, many people start to prepare menus for big holiday gatherings with friends and family, while others may not know if they will even have a holiday meal.
Food scarcity impacts individuals and families everywhere. These four options are all free and are open to anyone who needs a meal.
Montgomery County:
Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner, H. C. Smith Benefit Club, 538 Crum Creek Rd, St. Johnsville
In its 19th year and in memory of Kathy Flander, the H.C. Smith Benefit Club and Flander family are hosting a free community meal on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23 from noon to 3 p.m.
The meal is a buffet style with take-out and delivery options available. All orders for the Thanksgiving meal should be placed by Nov. 22.
The Flander family asks those who would like to make a donation, order a meal for take-out or delivery, to contact them at (518) 853-3088.
Saratoga County:
29th Annual Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Union Fire Company #2, 319 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa
With the sole purpose to provide a meal to anyone that needs one for Thanksgiving, the committee prepares, cooks and serves Thanksgiving dinner for those looking for help with the holidays.
Offering in-person dining, take-out or delivery, individuals and families can get a warm Thanksgiving meal from noon to 3 p.m. at the firehouse.
The committee asks those who would like a meal to contact 518-937-8647 before Thanksgiving Day or 518-885-7121 on Thanksgiving Day.
Schenectady County:
City Mission, 512 Smith St., Schenectady
City Mission is a homeless shelter in Schenectady that provides homes for 100 individuals, while also providing food and clothing for its residents and the greater community.
“Everyday we provide three meals to our residents but we also provide community meals, every day to those in the community,” said Erin Breslin, Associate Director of Development. “It’s actually a sit-down meal where someone can come in and sit and have a meal. In addition, 24/7 we provide bagged lunches for anyone in the community who comes by before or after our community meals.”
Every holiday season, City Mission holds a Thanksgiving and Christmas meal. This Thanksgiving Day, a free Thanksgiving meal will be served at 1:00 p.m. at 512 Smith Street.
Tabernacle of New Hope, 3 Morris Ave., Schenectady
If you or someone you know is in need of a warm, home-cooked meal, Hope Answers Inc. is hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner at the Tabernacle of New Home.
This will be the nonprofit’s 15th year hosting the meal. The dinner will be on Thanksgiving Day from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with both in-person and take-out options available.
For any questions or additional information, please contact us at 518-372-3354 or by email at info@tabnewhope.org.
