As Thanksgiving approaches, churches and community groups across Maine are gearing up to host free meals and distribute turkeys and fixings to those in need. This holiday season comes at a time when food pantries are experiencing a surge in demand, driven by rising grocery prices and reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that took effect in October.

During the 43-day government shutdown, uncertainty loomed over the distribution of November SNAP benefits. In response, dozens of restaurants, businesses, and community groups stepped up to offer food assistance to people facing food insecurity. That spirit of generosity continues to shine through this Thanksgiving holiday.

### Community Efforts in Kennebunk and Alfred

In Kennebunk, Community Harvest will host its 27th annual Thanksgiving feast at St. Martha’s Church. This nonprofit has partnered with The Nonantum Resort’s executive chef, Steve Sicinski, who will oversee the meal preparation alongside dozens of volunteers.

“With the rising prices of food and the uncertainty of federal benefits many local individuals and families rely on, coming together to prepare, serve, and deliver hearty and heartfelt meals is incredibly important,” said Kerry de Bree, Community Harvest’s executive director. “Community Harvest’s mission is connecting people over shared meals, and we are honored to continue a tradition we started in 1999.”

In Alfred, the First County Food Pantry is preparing to distribute 650 Thanksgiving baskets filled with turkeys, fresh produce, stuffing, and dessert. These will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis to anyone who arrives between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Robin Stansfield, chief advancement officer for First County Foundation, noted that while the Thanksgiving giveaway has been a long-standing tradition, the need is greater than ever. The pantry has seen an increase of about 50 families per week in the past month.

“This brings some ease and joy to people’s holidays who might otherwise not be able to afford a full meal,” she said.

### Community Meals Across Maine

Here are some of the free Thanksgiving meal options across southern, western, and central Maine:

**Freeport**
Thanksgiving meal served on November 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center, 53 Depot St.

**Gardiner**
Free meals (dine-in, to-go, or delivery) on November 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Kennebec Valley, 14 Pray St.
For delivery, call Gary at 207-437-2487.

**Gorham**
Community Thanksgiving dinner on November 27 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Summit Community Church, 26 Cressey Road.
Registration closes November 20.
For details, call 207-839-4434 or email [email protected].

**Madison**
Thanksgiving dinner served at noon on November 27 at Madison VFW 7865, 58 Preble St.
Delivery available. Call 207-696-3806 to arrange.

**Norway**
Free community dinner for Oxford Hills residents at noon on November 27, 32 Paris St.
Delivery available at 207-743-2606.

**Rangeley**
The 43rd annual community Thanksgiving dinner will be held at 1 p.m. on November 23 at Church of the Good Shepherd, 2614 Main St.
Reservations appreciated but walk-ins welcome. Call 207-864-3381 for reservations or to arrange pickup/delivery.

**Rumford**
Post-Thanksgiving community meal on November 28 at 4 p.m.
Parish of the Holy Savior Parish Hall, 126 Main St.

**Saco**
Community Thanksgiving dinner on November 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Most Holy Trinity Church Hall, 271 Main St.
Meals can be eaten onsite or picked up.
Delivery available by calling 207-468-7324 by 4 p.m. on November 24.

**Scarborough**
Community Thanksgiving on November 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wentworth School cafeteria, 20 Quentin Drive.
Walk-ins welcome; reservations available online at scarboroughcommunitythanksgiving.org or by calling 207-730-4171.

### Meal Boxes and Prepared Meals

**Alfred**
Thanksgiving food baskets distributed at First County Food Pantry, 5 Swetts Bridge Road, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 24, 25, and 26. First-come, first-served drive-thru.

**Freeport**
Freeport Community Services is distributing food boxes and meals.
Call Kara at 207-865-3985, ext. 205, for information or to sign up.

**Lewiston and Portland**
The Root Cellar will distribute turkey dinner baskets.
Call 207-782-3659 for details.

**Portland**
Wayside Food Programs will offer Thanksgiving meals to go and boxes with dinner ingredients.
Interested persons must call 207-775-4939 by November 17.

**Portland**
Thanksgiving boxes will be distributed first-come, first-served from 1 to 3 p.m. on November 25 at Stroudwater Food Pantry, 1452 Westbrook St.
Existing food pantry clients will receive boxes prior to public distribution.

**Solon**
Free Thanksgiving dinner available for pickup and reheating at home from noon to 2 p.m. on November 26.
Call 207-643-2400 to reserve or arrange delivery.

**Windham**
Hailey’s Kitchen will provide meals for those in need.
Call 207-880-9506 for information.

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Maine’s communities continue to come together to ensure that everyone has a warm meal this Thanksgiving. Whether through community dinners or food basket giveaways, help is available for those who need it most. If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, don’t hesitate to reach out to the organizations listed above.
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/11/14/where-to-find-free-thanksgiving-meals-and-food-boxes-in-maine/