ITHACA, N.Y. — Each year, a handful of organizations around Tompkins County provide free Thanksgiving meals for those in need.
The Varna Community Association will be providing a free Thanksgiving meal from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, including turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, squash, buttered corn, fruit salad, rolls with butter, vegetarian lasagna, fresh pies, beverages and more.
Additionally, the Salvation Army will be hosting its free Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, starting at noon and located at 150 N. Albany St. in Ithaca. Staff has asked those interested in attending to call ahead of time (607-273-2400) so the kitchen knows how much food to make.
The Freeville United Methodist Church, located on 39 Main St., is hosting a free Thanksgiving meal as well on Thursday, starting at 1 p.m. Reservations are requested so there’s enough food — call (607) 844-8760 to reserve a spot.
Loaves and Fishes of Tompkins County is offering a free Thanksgiving meal from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at their usual location of 210 N. Cayuga St. They will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
There is also a pre-Thanksgiving food drive event at the Ithaca 5 & Dime bar starting at 9 p.m. on Nov. 26 called “Twerky for a Cause.” The event is being held to benefit No Más Lágrimas, a community organization that operates weekly food giveaways, and will feature music from the Spirit Posse.
A $5 donation is suggested for entry, or shelf-stable food items at the door. Sugar, coffee, cereal, granola, oats, rice, beans, oil, canned goods, easy-open cans, shelf-stable snacks, toiletries, aluminum foil, ziplock bags, take-away containers, supermarket gift cards and new toys are all specifically requested items.
For more information, see 14850.com’s coverage of business openings and closings on Thanksgiving.
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