As Thanksgiving approaches, here’s how to find a feast

While many Tucsonans are looking forward to a Thanksgiving feast, others are wondering if they have enough to feed their family tomorrow.

The recent government shutdown is over and SNAP benefits are being restored, but Sio Castillo, the CEO of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, said demand for food boxes jumped 9 percent between September and October. The organization doesn’t yet have numbers for November, but Castillo told Tucson Sentinel that demand was continuing to climb.

But many organizations and restaurants are stepping up to serve Thanksgiving meals and provide food boxes to help the hungry. Here’s a roundup of places you can find a Thanksgiving meal or other help.

Check details. Some events are first-come, first-served, while others require advance notice or registration.

Saturday, Nov. 22: Zion City will provide 1,500 free Thanksgiving meals at their various locations to those who reserve one on their website. 8 to 11 a.m. at Zion City Flowing Wells, 2561 W. Ruthrauff Rd.; Zion City Oro Valley, 2350 W. Tangerine Rd.; Zion City Santa Cruz, 1775 W. Ajo Way. Reserve your meal in advance here.

Saturday, Nov. 22: Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona will distribute food boxes from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gabrielle Giffords Resource Center, 3003 S Country Club Rd. Details here.

Saturday, Nov. 22: Market on the Move offers a package of produce and other food for $10. Selection varies depending on availability. This week’s locations include the MOM warehouse, 4515 E. 22nd St., from 7 to 9 a.m. and Marana’s DeGrazia Elementary School, 5051 West Overton Rd.​​, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. More details and a list of this weekend’s offerings here.

Sunday, Nov. 23: Arizona Bilingual News will be giving away 1,000 gift cards for Thanksgiving meals and turkeys. Cards are first-come, first-served and the organization can’t guarantee that everyone in line will get one. Bring an ID and a bill under your name. The giveaway is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at El Pueblo Neighborhood Center, 101 W. Irvington Road. For more details, call 520-305-4110 or visit the event’s Facebook page.

Wednesday, Nov. 26: Gospel Rescue Mission will serve a Thanksgiving dinner, distribute resource bags and clothing, and provide haircuts and fun for the kids such as face painting. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center of Opportunity, 4550 S. Palo Verde Road. More details here.

Thursday, Nov. 27: Local restaurant Kingfisher will be closed for regular business but will be serving Thanksgiving meals from 2 p.m. until they run out. 2564 E. Grant Road.

Thursday, Nov. 27: The Salvation Army will offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army Hospitality House, 1002 N. Main Ave. Details here.

Thursday, Nov. 27: The Being Black in Tucson Facebook group and Janet and Ray’s restaurant are hosting a free Thanksgiving meal. Reserve a spot at the event by calling or texting 520-241-2328 by Nov. 24. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Janet & Ray’s, 5443 E. 22nd St.

Ongoing resources

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona distributes food boxes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Fridays and from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday at the Gabrielle Giffords Center, 3003 S Country Club Rd. The center also has a team that can help with SNAP applications on site.

Community Food Bank, Green Valley distributes food boxes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Fridays. 250 E. Continental Road. More details here.

Greater Vail Community ReSources Food Bank offers food distribution at from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, noon to 4 p.m. on Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays. The food bank will also be open from 10 a.m. to noon on Dec. 15. 13105 E. Colossal Cave Road. For more information, call 520-338-2610 or visit website.

Interfaith Community Services runs a food bank on the grounds of Christ the King Espiscopal Church, 2820 W. Ina Road. Distribution is 8 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, , with evening hours from 5 to 6:30 on Wednesdays. Recipients can register on site with ID proving Pima County residence. More info here. 

Casa Maria Soup Kitchen serves daily meals from 8:30 to 11:30 daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. 352 E. 25th St. More details here.

The Sahuarita Food Bank & Resource Center distributes food boxes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. More details here.

University of Arizona Campus Pantry allows anyone with a CatCard to shop for a variety of grocery items using a set number of points. The pantry has two locations: On the first floor of the Student Union, open  and in the Health Sciences Library, 1501 N. Campbell Ave. Hours vary; find details here. 

Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona delivers meals to your home Monday through Friday. Cost is $5 to $7 per meal. Enroll here.