Thanksgiving In Lake Forest: Where To Get Free, Discounted Turkeys

LAKE FOREST, CA — In 2024, the pressure to afford a full Thanksgiving feast for the entire family feels heavier than ever for some, especially since the holiday is right around the corner.

That’s why it's important to know which food banks, pantries and faith groups are offering free food for families in need. Meanwhile, several grocery stores across the state are offering free and discounted holiday goods.

Here’s where you can find free or discounted turkeys or holiday foods for your table this Thanksgiving:

Food Banks In Lake Forest

If you’re on an extremely tight budget this year, the following food banks in and around Lake Forest are a good place to start.

Feeding America

This food bank, which has locations across the nation, is offering free Thanksgiving meals or food boxes all over California.

• Second Harvest Food Bank — Orange County.

Meals On Wheels

Meals on Wheel operates virtually in nearly every town in America, delivering meals to older adults and those with diminished mobility. Generally, the program serves adults 60 and over.

• Laguna Beach Seniors, Inc., 380 3Rd St, Laguna Beach.
• Radiant Health Centers, 17982 Sky Park Cir Ste J, Irvine.
• Age Well Senior Services, Inc., 23101 Lake Center Drive, Sutie 325, Lake Forest.
• OASIS Senior Center, 801 Narcissus Ave, Corona Del Mar.
• Jewish Community Services of Orange County, 24000 Alicia Parkway, Ste 17, Box 234, Mission Viejo.
• Norman P. Murray Community And Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo.
• Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 W 19Th St, Costa Mesa.

Grocery Stores Offering Thanksgiving Deals

Many grocery chains throughout the Golden State are offering holiday deals. Find turkey steals and table spread deals below.

Target

Target is offering a $20 Thanksgiving meal. Here’s what it includes: A premium basted young turkey, russet potatoes, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, jellied cranberry sauce, turkey stuffing and turkey gravy. More information here. Find a Target near you.

Walmart

Walmart is touting its “inflation free” Thanksgiving promotion, offering turkeys for 88 cents per pound. The retailer is also selling holiday food items that will cost less than $7 per person. Find more information and a Walmart near you here.

Sam’s Club

This grocer is promising a deal with items from its store brand, Members Mark, that will feed a family of 10 for $100. The deal includes a hickory smoked whole turkey, dinner rolls, macaroni and cheese, brussels sprouts, a cranberry crunch salad, gold mashed potatoes, a pumpkin pie and a sweet potato mash. More information and store locations here.

Aldi

Discount grocer giant Aldi is offering a Thanksgiving bundle for $47 to feed a party of 10. The deal comes out to $4.70 per person. The deal includes a 6-pound spiced Butterball turkey, gravy, rolls, macaroni, stuffing and ingredients for green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole. More information and store locations here.

Kroger

The grocery chain is offering a “Freshgiving” bundle that will feed 10 people for $50. The deal includes a whole turkey, sweet potatoes, flavored stuffing, sweet corn, chicken broth, turkey gravy, fried onions, rolls, carrots and more at $4.85 per person. Find more information and store locations here.