Thanksgiving In Palm Desert: Where To Get Free, Discounted Turkeys

PALM DESERT, 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 in and around Palm Desert offer free food for families in need. Meanwhile, several local grocery stores 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 California

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

Feeding America

This food bank, which has locations nationwide, is offering free Thanksgiving meals or food boxes all over California. The closest Feeding America location to Palm Desert is FIND Food Bank, which can be contacted at 760-775-3663.

The following pantries in the Inland Empire also work with Feeding America:

• FSA-James A Venable - 50390 Carmen Ave., Cabazon | 951-922-1097
• Idyllwild Community Center - 25925 Cedar St., Idyllwild | 951-965-0456
• First Missionary Baptist Church of Banning - 332 N. Allen St., Banning | 951-849-8113
• HELP Inc. - 53 South 6th St., Banning | 951-922-2305
• St. Kateri Catholic Church - 157 West Nicolet St., Banning | 951-845-2849
• Sunrise Church - 4024 W. Wilson St., Banning | 909-875-5566

Find a food bank near you.

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.

Palm Desert's local program is the Joslyn Center at 73750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert. They can be reached at 760-340-3220.

Search more Inland Empire programs.

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.