Have you started Thanksgiving grocery shopping? With Thanksgiving happening in less than 2 weeks, the pressure is on to make sure that we create a memorable Thanksgiving with our loved ones. This year, I’m planning a small Thanksgiving dinner for 6 people, which includes my mom, which has been the norm for the last four years and each year, I’ve noticed that the cost of holiday food shopping has increased significantly.
It’s no secret that increased overall grocery store prices and inflation have hit many of our families extremely hard. Grocery prices are 20% higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and within the last year, grocery prices have risen 1.3% in the past year despite grocery inflation slowing down, according to Forbes.
This has fueled a shift in how we celebrate Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations. Families have opted for simpler meals or smaller guest lists to mitigate the impact of rising prices.
Recent research from Lending Tree revealed that inflation is impacting 60% of their 2,000+ respondents' holiday celebrations. Most people are opting to cut costs by changing food choices (27%) and couponing more (26%), with 9% deciding not to host Thanksgiving at all.
Our family will opt for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. We still have a turkey that was frozen for less than a year and have access to ingredients that we can use for most of our sides; therefore, our holiday shopping costs will decrease.
Some parents and caretakers in Metro RVA are experiencing financial hardships and are having difficulty accessing food, especially during the holidays. If you are in this situation, read on to learn about Thanksgiving food distributions and community feedings in Richmond City, Henrico, and Hanover counties.
Check this guide regularly as we continue to receive updated information.
Richmond City
Reynolds Community College's Thanksgiving Side Meal Kit Giveaway
Student Support Services is preparing for our Annual Thanksgiving Side Meal Kit Giveaway. Each November, we provide a bag of ingredients to make side dishes for your Thanksgiving holiday. This year we are providing the main ingredients and recipes for two to three side dishes, plus dessert!
Students must register to reserve a side meal kit by Wednesday, November 20 at 5 p.m. Students who sign up will be able to pick up their meal kit on Monday, November 25 between 10am-5:30pm.
Thanksgiving Side Meal Kit Giveaway | Reynolds Community College
Bon Air Baptist Church Food Pantry
Wednesday, November 20 (3:00 - 4:30 PM)
Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Road, Richmond, VA 23225
Drive Thru Food Pick-Up
Door #26, next to the playground near the Buford Road entrance. Please stay in your car while groceries are loaded for you.
Bags Contain the Following:
Non-perishable staples such as canned soups and vegetables, pasta, cereal, bread, etc.; Paper products, diapers, and wipes are distributed as available; Fresh produce is distributed as available.
Website: https://bonairbaptist.org/foodpantry/
MoHope Saturday Servings Saturday, November 23
Locations
The Light Community Church, 601 Azalea Ave
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church, 2300 Dumbarton Rd
9:30 -11:00 AM
Community outreach events offer critical nutrition via free groceries to households experiencing food insecurity.
Ephesus RVA Community Thanksgiving Distribution Days
November 25th & 26th
3700 Midlothian Tpke
Liberation Church's Food Panty Join us to celebrate Thanksgiving. We will be having Thanksgiving Dinner, Food Pantry Giveaway & Much More. This event is totally free & sponsored by Liberation Church.
November 26 (12:00 - 4:00 PM)
5501 Midlothian Tpke., Richmond, VA 23225
Moments of Hope: MoHope Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 28 (12:00 - 2:00 PM)
2908 Chamberlayne Avenue, Richmond VA 23222
The Giving Heart’s Annual Community Thanksgiving Feast
Thursday, November 28 (11:00AM - 2:00PM)
Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219
US Giving Richmond Connections
Thursday, November 28 (11:00AM - 1:30PM) - DINE IN OR PICK UP
1407 Sherwood Avenue, Richmond VA, 23220
Branch's Baptist Church
Thursday. November 28 (12:00 - 5:00PM)
3400 Broad Rock Blvd., Richmond, VA 23224
Henrico County
Biltmore Baptist Church's Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Wednesday, November 20 (6:30 - 8:30 PM)
Biltmore Baptist Church, 1600 New York Avenue, Glen Allen VA 23060
Henrico Police Athletic League (PAL)'s 18th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Saturday, November 23 (10:00 AM)
2401 Hartman Street, Richmond VA 23223
Henrico PAL to hold 18th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway | WRIC ABC 8News
Hanover County
Hanover County has compiled a list of organizations offering food assistance in the county. Click the link below to view the list: Hanover County Food Pantries | Hanover County, VA
Not from this area? Check the nearest food banks and pantries in your area: Mobile Pantry, Mobile Food Bank | Feeding America
