On Thanksgiving Day, countless Americans will assemble around the dinner table to partake in a memorable feast with their families, while reflecting on the aspects of life that they are grateful for. Indeed, Thanksgiving is not only a time to express gratitude, but also an occasion to savor mouthwatering dishes, the turkey being a popular mainstay.
The preparation styles vary, including roasting, frying, or buying a precooked turkey. However, the idea of getting a free turkey is an enticing one, and can certainly help your wallet during the holiday season. Here are some creative strategies to secure a free turkey this Thanksgiving.
1. OPT FOR ONE-STOP SHOPPING
While sharing the cost of Thanksgiving meal by having a potluck can be economical, grocery stores frequently conduct promotions to attract bulk shoppers. Some supermarkets like Albertsons, Safeway, and Acme offer a free turkey if you shop groceries worth $100 in one transaction. This could be your routine weekly groceries or your holiday stockpile. Even stores like Target and WinCo have offered cashback coupons for spending as little as $50 on foodstuff during the Thanksgiving season. If you plan to host a potluck, consider asking guests to contribute funds so that you can buy all the necessary ingredients from one store and take advantage of these offers.
2. INVEST IN A HAM
For many, turkey and ham coexist harmoniously in the Thanksgiving feast. Certain stores sell both as a “buy-one-get-one” deal, essentially giving you a free turkey when you purchase a ham. Typically, there are brand criteria and weight specifications for the complimentary turkey. Stores, such as Schnucks and HEB, have previously offered a free 10 – 14 lb turkey with the acquisition of a ham.
3. UTILIZE STORE REWARD POINTS
Customer loyalty programs are not restricted to pharmacies and fuel stations. Your go-to grocery store might have such a program too. Every shopping trip accumulates points which can be redeemed for items over time. For instance, ShopRite, a popular chain on the East coast, runs a stellar rewards program. They’ve previously offered a free Thanksgiving turkey to customers who reach a certain amount of Price Plus Club reward points.
4. EXPLORE LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES
If you’re financially stretched, local food pantries can assist with your Thanksgiving needs. Food pantries receive tons of donations during the Thanksgiving period and some may have eligibility requirements like income verification or residency proof. But several food banks simply require you to show up. It’s worth keeping an eye out for announcements from October onward.
5. SEEK OUT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Community organizations and local churches also distribute free turkeys and other meal provisions. Some of these events are not widely advertised, so proactive research could turn out to be beneficial. They may provide not just turkeys, but other essential food items for a complete Thanksgiving dinner.
IN CONCLUSION
Securing a free turkey isn’t out of reach, but it requires some innovative thinking. Whether it’s through strategic shopping, participating in loyalty programs, contributing to a community gathering, or reaching out to assistance programs, there are a variety of ways to reduce your holiday expenses. Have you explored any of these options to get your hands on a free turkey?
