For many, it isn’t Thanksgiving without a turkey dinner. Often, the bird is the star of the meal, but it’s also the most expensive part to buy. For ten people, a Thanksgiving meal usually costs about $49, and that’s more than some households can shoulder. However, if you manage to get a turkey for free, you may be able to cut that amount in half, give or take. If you are wondering where you might be able to get your hands on a free turkey, here’s what you need to know.
Grocery Stores Holding Free Turkey Promotions
Many grocery stores hold free turkey promotions to entice customers into shopping there for the holiday. Precisely how they work can vary, though most involve minimum purchase amounts or BOGO arrangements.
For example, some stores have given shoppers a turkey for free (up to a certain weight) after spending a minimum dollar amount – such as $100, $150, or $200 – in a single transaction (after all discounts and with certain exclusions applying). For example, Just for U Safeway coupons for a free Honeysuckle Turkey (up to 16 lbs.) after spending $100 or more are available to members in specific states.
Others have given away a free turkey with a ham purchase. This can be ideal if you want to get a turkey for Thanksgiving and have a ham ready for Christmas or another event.
Finally, stores with loyalty points systems may have ways for shoppers to use their points to score a free turkey. This could include general dollars-off rewards that are large enough to cover the cost of a turkey or reward program free turkey offers that require the spending of points to unlock.
If you’re part of a grocery store’s loyalty program, keep an eye open for deals like those mentioned above. There are fairly common, though the exact nature of the deal will vary depending on the store and where you live and shop.
Ibotta App Free Turkey Roast
For 2020, Ibotta and Walmart got together to make Thanksgiving more affordable for families. Through Ibotta, you can find rebates for many Thanksgiving dinner staples, including one that makes a 3-pound Butterball turkey roast absolutely free. If you prefer a whole bird, you’’’ get a rebate for $9.98 off instead, which is still a great discount.
To access the deal, you need to sign up for Ibotta and download the new browser extension along with the app. Once there, you can unlock the Thanksgiving rewards, including the turkey deal.
Food Banks Offering Free Turkeys
Many food banks are working diligently to ensure that families in need can have a great Thanksgiving meal this year. At times, this includes providing households with free turkeys, along with other staples for an exceptional holiday dinner.
Now, free turkeys are usually only available to people who live in a specific area. Other restrictions may also apply, such as a demonstrated need. If you are wondering if you may qualify, you’ll need to contact your local food bank directly.
Additionally, it’s important to note that not all food banks may be providing free turkeys. Food banks rely on donations and, if they don’t get many (or any) turkeys, they may not have any to give.
Meals on Wheels Thanksgiving Assistance
Some Meals on Wheels providers may have Thanksgiving assistance available. While Meals on Wheels usually doesn’t deliver hot food on holidays, some are able to provide the ingredients for a Thanksgiving dinner in advance.
Only individuals who qualify for traditional Meals on Wheels services are usually eligible for the Thanksgiving Assistance program. Additionally, not all providers may be offering such a program. If you want to find out if one is available in your area, search for a provider near you and find out what options are available.
Area Non-Profits and Religious Organizations
Other non-profits or religious organizations in your area may also be offering free turkeys to local residents in need. Usually, these programs focus on low-income households in the immediate area that the group serves, such as a specific city or county. However, some may be broader, as each organization can set its own requirements.
If you want to find out about these programs and attend services at a local religious facility, that could be a good place to start your search. You could also reach out to the United Way to see if there may be organizations in your area offering Thanksgiving assistance.
Local Radio, Television, and Store Promotions
In some cases, radio or television stations give out turkeys to some lucky listeners or viewers. Usually, these take the form of contests or sweepstakes. For example, you might have to fill out a form on the channel’s website or call in at the designated time and be the right caller number. If you’re chosen or have good timing, you can pick up a free turkey from the station.
Additionally, some local stores may have their own unique free turkey promotions. For instance, some tire dealers have given away turkeys with the purchase of four new tires in the past. You usually learn about these kinds of deals through local advertising, in-store signage, or website announcements. If you happen to spot one and need the items that would trigger the free turkey deal, this approach could work well for you.
Do you plan on trying to snag a free turkey for Thanksgiving? Have any tips that can help people save on their Thanksgiving meal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read More:
- Grocery Budget: When You Shop Can Save You Money
- What Is the Average Grocery Bill?
- Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips: Keep You (and Your Wallet) Lean!
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Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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