Thanksgiving has become a day set apart to gather together over a meal and take time to reflect on all that we are thankful for. But putting food on the table can be a challenge for many of us. With food prices and the cost of living continuing to rise, or with major family changes, health concerns, or being overworked, we may find ourselves needing help to serve the traditional holiday meal.
Fortunately, Denton County has many options for families this holiday. Below are a list of organizations, programs, and businesses that are able to provide food assistance this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season.
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Thanksgiving Assistance in Denton County
1. Denton County Cowboy Church :: Ponder :: Although no food distribution will take place specifically for Thanksgiving, Denton County Cowboy Church hands out food boxes (called chuck boxes) from its pantry every second and fourth Thursday from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Mark your calendars for its Christmas meal distribution on December 22 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. The deadline to sign up for a Christmas meal is December 6. Register here.
2. Denton County Friends of the Family :: Corinth :: Families who have received meal assistance from Friends of the Family in the past 90 days will receive a Thanksgiving meal kit during its Thanksgiving food drive. If you’d like to donate non-perishable items to the kits, please order from its online wish list by November 15.
3. Grace Bridge :: Celina :: This is a drive-thru food distribution event at First Celina Baptist Church for residents of Collin, Denton, and Grayson Counties on Saturday, November 23. Participants must register online. No documentation is required. Time slots for pickup will be given after online registration.
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4. Little Elm Area Food Bank :: Little Elm :: In the months of November and December, Little Elm Area Food Bank gives extra holiday-related items in its monthly boxes. These extra items include holiday food items and a $25 gift card that clients can use to purchase a turkey. Clients must be residents in the Hackberry, Lakewood Village, Oak Point, Cross Roads, and Little Elm areas. New clients can call the food bank for details about how to apply for assistance at 972-294-4061.
5. Metrocrest Services :: Carrollton :: Metrocrest Services is providing a frozen turkey along with Thanksgiving-specific food for the holiday. You will need to pre-register online to see if your family qualifies. Those who qualify will then be contacted to schedule a pick up time on November 23 between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
6. Mr. Chopsticks :: Denton :: This Thanksgiving, November 28, Mr. Chopsticks is giving back to the community by providing a warm and delicious meal to anyone who is hungry. No reservations are needed and all are welcome. Swing by the drive-thru from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. for your choice of chicken fried rice or vegetarian fried rice.
7. N3 Food Pantry :: Prosper :: Thanksgiving food distribution will take place November 18 – 22 by appointment only at Neighbors Nourishing Neighbors food pantry. The pantry will be stocked with traditional Thanksgiving staples thanks to volunteer donations. Individuals of Collin, Denton, and Grayson counties will need to register with the pantry prior to their visit. More information on how to qualify can be found here.
8. Redeemer Food Pantry :: Lake Dallas :: On Tuesday, November 26 at 6:00 p.m., First Baptist Church Lake Dallas will pass out Thanksgiving meal boxes to 50 registered families. The boxes will include a frozen turkey, frozen pie, rolls, and canned goods. Register online to reserve your box by November 15. In addition, the church provides food assistance year round every Tuesday. For volunteer inquiries, email Dianna Zedwick at [email protected]
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9. Village Church Denton :: Denton :: International students at the University of North Texas will receive a holiday meal during its annual Thanksgiving banquet on Friday, November 22 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Village Church Denton will host this event in the Baptist Student Missions building (BSM.)
10. Westside Baptist Church :: Lewisville :: On Friday, November 23 at 8:00 a.m., Westside Baptist Church along with many other churches in the community is hoping to provide meals for up to 750 families this Thanksgiving. There will be approximately 400 frozen turkeys to give away and several packages of a week’s worth of groceries available to anyone in need. No registration is required. You can find more details and volunteer information on its outreach ministry page.
Ongoing Food Assistance in Denton County
If your family is in need of continuing food assistance, the following programs may be able to help:
- Argyle Food Bank
- Christian Community Action
- Denton Community Food Center
- First Refuge Ministries
- Heart of the City
- Our Daily Bread
- Uplift Food Distribution
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How You Can Help
Many of these organizations rely on volunteers and donations to provide meals and food assistance across Denton County. If you’re interested in giving back this holiday season, sign up to volunteer, or make a donation to support their efforts. By working together, we can ensure that no family in Denton County goes without a meal during the holidays.
There is no shame in asking for assistance, especially during the holidays. No matter who you are, it’s an expensive time of year! For families who need a Thanksgiving meal, contact these local organizations who are happy to help.
