Thanksgiving Community Meals and Turkey Trots in the Hudson Valley

Thanksgiving is a holiday of gratitude, but there’s no doubt that its traditions primarily center around a filling feast — that idealistic image of a table filled with vegetables, casseroles, and desserts, all surrounding a big Rockwellian turkey. But for many families in our region a full table is hard to come by, whether due to inflated grocery costs, job loss, or other hardships. The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that the average price of turkey has gone down 22 percent since last year — thanks to a drop in avian flu cases — but we’re still seeing higher prices in general at grocery stores.

Thankfully, there are several organizations and volunteer-run efforts that prepare holiday meals for those in need. Family of Woodstock is one example. Program Manager Ron VanWarmer, says:

“Family believes that the common ground which unites us is greater than the differences which divide us and that everyone deserves the respect and support of our larger community. And community is what FAMILY of Woodstock brings together during its annual free Thanksgiving Day dinner.”

The organization provides year-round support services, including shelters, food pantries, court assistance, child care, and for more than four decades, they’ve hosted a special Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Mescal Hornbeck Community Center in Woodstock and an Adolescent Services Thanksgiving in Kingston at the Old Dutch Church earlier in the week as well. However, as the community has evolved and surrounding areas have seen an increased number of families in need, this year, the organization will also be delivering meals for residents in the “greater Woodstock area,” including Woodstock, Bearsville, Shady, Lake Hill, Willow, Mount Tremper, Shokan and Boiceville. These meals include turkey, stuffing, potatoes, a vegetable, and dessert, and orders can be placed through 845-679-2485. We are also offering an option to enjoy your meal in the company of others at the Community Center. There will be three seatings with limited space for about 30 people per seating.

Volunteers Needed!

As you can imagine, these community meals require community support and collaboration. Volunteers are needed. If you would like to volunteer or sign up for a Thanksgiving Food Basket or Meals with FAMILY of Woodstock, please call or text the Hotline at 845-679-2485.

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Woodstock to Western Ulster County

FAMILY of Woodstock | 56 Rock City Road, Woodstock NY | Facebook

This year, there will be two opportunities to get your Thanksgiving fill.

On Saturday, November 18, Family of Woodstock will be delivering “Turkey with all the Fixins” baskets or prepared meals to enjoy at home for people in the greater Woodstock area, including Woodstock, Bearsville, Shady, Lake Hill, West Hurley, Willow, Mount Tremper, Shokan, Phoenicia, Boiceville and to the west of the County. These meals include turkey, stuffing, potatoes, a vegetable and dessert. (There is also a vegetarian option.)  Individual meals will be delivered to their homes or can be picked up at the Mescal Hornbeck Community Center.

The second opportunity is to join the Community Dinner at the Mescal Hornbeck Center. There are three dining sessions between 12 pm and 3:30 pm, with a maximum of 30 seats per session. Here are the times:

1st Session:  12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
2nd Session: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
3rd Session:  2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Otherwise, you can pick up a take-home meal from the Community Center. Volunteers are needed. If you would like to volunteer on Saturday to deliver or on Thanksgiving, please call or text the Hotline at 845-679-2485.

NOTE: Saturday, Nov 18th deliveries MUST be ordered BY this Thursday, Nov 16th, at 4 pm.

Call the FAMILY of Woodstock Hotline & Textline at 845-679-2485 to order. Otherwise, call to reserve a seat at the community dinner on Thanksgiving Day and/or to pick up a take-out dinner.

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Germantown

Gulden Farm Annual Thanksgiving Market | 174 Dales Bridge Rd, Germantown NY | Facebook

This year, Gulden Farm’s Thanksgiving Market is happening on Saturday, November 18th, from 10 am to 2 pm. We have a great lineup of vendors, food by Misto and drinks from Vosburgh Brewing Company. You also don’t want to miss live music, a scavenger hunt and arts + crafts for the kids! Plus, you can get your fresh foods straight from our farm for your Thanksgiving meal.

Kingston

FAMILY of Woodstock’s Adolescent Services Thanksgiving Dinner |  272 Wall Street, Kingston NY | Facebook
One of the many programs that FAMILY provides hosts an Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Old Dutch Church in Uptown Kingston. This year, the Adolescent Services Community will gather for dinner from 6:30 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday, November 21st. It’s a wonderful feeling to see so many youth who have support from an incredible program and the alumni who come back and share that love and good memories together! If you want to sign up to volunteer and/or learn ways to give, email [email protected] or call 917-709-0505.

Center for Creative Education & Beyond the 4 Walls – “Spread the Love” Event | 16 Cedar Street, Kingston NY | Facebook
The 4th Annual “Spread the Love” event is presented by the Center for Creative Education & Beyond 4 Walls Outreach Program. There will be Turkey, Chicken and Vegetarian food for a Thanksgiving Dinner.  All are welcome to partake in FREE food, clothes, resources, music, dancing…even just a friendly smile from supportive, loving people sharing in a festive celebration happening on Thursday, November 23rd, from 10 am to 2 pm. Volunteers needed. Please call 845-338-7664 if you would like to engage with your community and celebrate with each other.

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People’s Place Community Cafe | 777 Broadway, Kingston NY | Facebook

The cafe will be hosting a delicious Thanksgiving brunch from 10 am to 12:30 pm on Thanksgiving Day. The menu will consist of Butternut squash soup, Sweet potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, turkey sliders with pumpkin spiced French toast and more! If you would like to get involved by helping out year-round or donate to this essential program that offers kindness, compassion and the preservation of human dignity to our neighbors, please call 845-338-4030.

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Native American Thanks Giving Service + Feast | 272 Wall Street, Kingston NY | Facebook
This Sunday, November 19th, join the Association of Native Americans of the Mid-Hudson Valley at the Old Dutch Church in Uptown Kingston to celebrate gratitude with the people of all faiths and no faiths. Service starts at 10:30 am, followed by feasting!

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Milton

Holiday Extravaganza & Thanksgiving Farmer’s Market | 1801-1805 Rt. 9W, Cluett Schantz Park, Milton NY | Facebook

Marlboro’s Farmer’s Market is hosting their 13th Annual Holiday Extravaganza + Thanksgiving Farmer’s Maret on November 18th, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Marlboro Elementary School. There will be local vendors, crafts, food, entertainment, kids activities, charity drives and a visit with Santa!

New Paltz

FAMILY of New Paltz Turkey Trot | 51 N. Chestnut Street, New Paltz NY | Register HERE

The 20th Annual Family of New Paltz Turkey Trot starts at  9 am on Thanksgiving morning, November 23rd. This 5K fundraising event supports FAMILY’s crisis walk-in center and food pantry. You must register online or in person by Wednesday the 22nd, between 12 pm – 6 pm.

For the past 19 years, the Turkey Trot 5K fundraiser has provided us with financial assistance, which has enabled us to operate our program successfully. The funds raised through this event have been utilized for the food pantry, case management services, domestic violence services and adolescent services, including restorative justice services, and pretty much “any problem under the sun.” Please spread the word far and wide with friends and family who would like to help the agency and run for a great cause. Should you have any questions, please contact Ivan Echenique at 845-255-7957. Let us make this year’s Turkey Trot as successful, if not more, as in past years!

Phoenicia

Thanksgiving Dinner + Turkey Trot  | 109 Main Street | Facebook

The Jerry Bender Memorial + Phoenicia Rotary welcome all local residents to their annual complimentary Holiday Dinner at St. Francis Parish Hall on Saturday, November 18th at 2 pm. For more information, call Mike Ruane at 845-688-5357. Plus, don’t miss out on their Annual Phoenicia Turkey Trot, which will start at 8 am on Saturday, November 25th, at Parish Hall. Stay tuned HERE for more information!

Poughkeepsie

Veterans Thanksgiving Buffet at the VFW Post 170| 1 Violet Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY | Facebook
As a thank you to all the wonderful veterans and their families, The VFW Post 170 invites you to attend a Thanksgiving Buffet on Thanksgiving Day from 1 pm to 4 pm. 

Rhinebeck

Vegan Thanksgiving Day Potluck | 6368 Mill St, Rhinebeck NY | Meetups

The Hudson Valley Vegans will have their Thanksgiving Day Potluck at The Rhinebeck Reformed Church from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm. If you want to go where there is NO turkey on the table, do join us. Bring a Thanksgiving-appropriate dish to share, including a recipe or ingredient list. If G-F, please indicate. We supply appetizers and beverages. There is also a dessert contest with prizes. If entering, bring in addition to your potluck offering.

Windham

Wylder 3 Miler Turkey Trot | The Main Lodge, 19 NY 296, Windham NY | @wylderhotelwindham
Those looking to kick off the holiday with a workout can sign up to participate in Wylder Windham’s first annual Turkey Trot from 8 am to 11 am, providing runners with a 3-mile loop while traversing from the resort, along the Windham path and back to home base. To ensure there is a festive atmosphere in the air, the team encourages participants to get decked out in turkey costumes, with the best outfit receiving a complimentary one-night stay for two guests at Wylder. See you there!

No matter what your financial circumstance, there are options for feeding yourself and your family this holiday season and beyond.Find a full list of year-round food pantries at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York website.