Free Thanksgiving meal distributions across Houston this weekend feed thousands

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- There may be no Thanksgiving parade in the traditional sense this year in Houston, but cars lined up well before dawn Saturday to take part in one of several free food distribution events across the city.

Thanksgiving Day Parade Food Giveaway

Five-thousand families benefitted from a large-scale food distribution event at NRG, which included items needed to prepare a Thanksgiving feast. The drive-thru giveaway provided people with meals, face masks, hand sanitizer and thermometers. The giveaway was sponsored by H-E-B, Reliant, Cigna, the Houston Food Bank, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and the City of Houston.

"It is so special," one participant said. "We thank God for the giveaways that are helping people that are not working. We are thanking God so much."

The giveaways aren't a new tradition, but have risen in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you missed the large event at NRG, there are other events around the area that may still be offering food and supplies while they last.

Houston ISD Food Distribution

With school out for many students this coming week, Houston ISD will provide meals at several locations on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center - 4400 W. 18th St.

• Hexser T. Holliday Food Services Support Center - 6801 Bennington St.

• Sugar Grove Academy - 8405 Bonhomme Rd.

All sites will provide meals, essential hygiene kits and cleaning supplies. Student meals are available to any child between 1 and 18 years old and engaged in virtual learning. If children are not in the car, families must provide birth certificates or proof of enrollment in and school district for each child needing meals.

Pasadena Turkey Giveaway

State Rep. Mary Ann Perez planned to give away vouchers for an H-E-B turkey to 100 people on Saturday, Nov. 21.

• 101 South Richey - Pasadena

State Senator Borris Miles Turkey Giveaway

State Senator Borris Miles continues his tradition of giving away turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving with three locations on Saturday.

• Deluxe Theatre - 3300 Lyons Ave. at noon

• Margaret Jenkins Park - 10700 Rosehaven at 2 p.m.

• Sunnyside Park - 3502 Bellfort at 4 p.m.

Missouri City Turkey and Food Distribution

State Rep. Ron Reynolds joins the American Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Rep. Al Green and mayor Yolanda Ford to hand out free turkeys and food on Saturday.

• 2440 Texas Parkway - Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sugar Land Food Distribution

The nonprofit group Families Helping Families aims to feed 300 families on Saturday at the Smart Financial Centre. Turkey and a week's worth of groceries will be given away until 5 p.m.

North Houston Food Giveaway - Tuesday, Nov. 24

If you miss the weekend distributions, several organizations are planning a giveaway on Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• 1001 Southridge Rd. - between Westfield High School and Bammel Middle School