Let’s not sugarcoat it: While 2025 may have been difficult for many, it has hit some Richmond families a lot harder than others. Considering the harrowing weeks earlier this month when SNAP benefits were in limbo, it has bordered on catastrophic.
While Contra Costa County and local food banks stepped in, west Contra Costa County residents told Richmondside they’ve been doing everything they can to make stretch what’s in their pantries, including visiting food banks a day and skipping meals to make sure their children get enough to eat.
One person who is seeing this firsthand is Cory Elliot, co-founder of The Black Neighborhood, a group that aims to help improve community health and wellness, among other goals.
“Everyone’s not as comfortable, I think, with certain components of life that we never questioned or that we got used to just being a standard, such as SNAP food benefits,” Elliot told Richmondside. “Now there’s definitely this like uncomfortability with all of it.”
Now Thanksgiving is approaching, on the heels of an already increased demand for food — local food banks report a recent increase in demand ranging from 22% to 47% higher than normal.
So Richmondside researched what local food distribution sites are offering and compiled a list of where to get a hot Thanksgiving meal or free turkeys and groceries for the holiday. Supplies may be limited so it’s recommended that you show up early if possible and register if required.
Corrine Sain Senior and Family Community Center — Nov. 20
The Corrine Sain Senior & Family Community Center, which focuses on serving North Richmond, is hosting a Thanksgiving food giveaway today. Thur., Nov. 20, 515 Silver Ave., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. No registration required. Call (510) 221-2538 for information.
The Black Neighborhood Turkey Drive — Nov. 23
The Black Neighborhood expects to give away 500 to 600 turkeys and bags of groceries at the Richmond Recreation Complex this weekend. You have to register to participate, but registering does not guarantee a free turkey. This has historically been a popular event and this year they expect a higher turnout.
“People are really looking for it, as you know, opposed to in previous years,” Elliot said. “Maybe people were very appreciative of it, but they weren’t as adamant as they are now, emailing us, calling us months before November, asking if we’re still going to be able to provide the food.”
Volunteers are welcome and can sign up here. Sun., Nov. 23, 3230 Macdonald Ave., 9 a.m. to noon. Click here to register. Call (510) 214-2483 for information.
Bay Area Rescue Mission turkey giveaway and dinners
On Nov. 25 the Bay Area Rescue Mission will host a Thanksgiving food giveaway at 123 Macdonald Ave., not only giving away turkeys but other traditional Thanksgiving items. And starting Nov. 23, the mission also will be helping unhoused people and others in need, serving Thanksgiving week dinners daily at 200 Macdonald Ave.
Volunteers are needed for both the giveaway and the dinners. Turkey giveaway is Nov. 25, 123 Macdonald Ave., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meals are Sun. Nov. 23 through Nov. 27. Call (510) 215-4555 for information or email info@bayarearescuemission.org. Registration not required.
Free turkeys at Multicultural Institute — Nov. 26
You won’t find it on their website, but the Multicultural Institute, a nonprofit day laborer and domestic worker center, confirmed to Richmondside that it is hosting a turkey giveaway at its Richmond location, first-come, first-served, while supplies last. Registration is required by calling (510) 847-1479 or by visiting an office in person. Nov. 26, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 3600 Macdonald Ave. Registration required by Fri., Nov. 21.
Thanksgiving dinner at Veterans Memorial Hall — Nov. 27
A Thanksgiving day dinner will be held at Veterans Memorial Hall. It is hosted by the House of Loving Hands, a nonprofit that helps those who are currently experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. In addition to serving the traditional turkey and sides, they will be giving away blankets, hats, and hygiene products. Nov. 27, 968 23rd St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To get food or to help the food bank
Find free food near you: The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano’s Find Food tool, which you can search by zip code, lists free food distribution sites across Contra Costa and Solano counties, including numerous soup kitchens or places offering free cooked meals and pantries or programs giving away groceries.
For more information: Call the food bank at 855-309-FOOD (3663).
Contra Costa College food resources: The Compass Market is a food pantry for Contra Costa College students. Students can pick up fresh food at the market in person or via a mobile order food locker.
To help the food bank: As always, the county’s food bank is accepting donations. Check its “Ways to Donate” page for information.
