Community Organizations Offer Free Holiday Meals
During the holiday season, access to nourishing meals can be a challenge for many families, but across Maine’s Hancock and Washington counties, there is a network of organizations working to ensure no one goes hungry. From food banks and food pantries to soup kitchens, faith-based groups, and other community organizations, there are numerous opportunities for residents to receive free holiday meals.
Whether it's a warm lunch or dinner served on Thanksgiving Day, the day before, or the day after, or a to-go meal option for those who prefer contactless pickup, these services are designed to help everyone enjoy a festive meal. Many food banks also offer holiday meal baskets or boxes filled with essentials like turkey, cranberries, vegetables, and other classic fixings.
Pickup options vary by location, so you may find yourself driving through a pantry line or scheduling a convenient time for contactless pickup. No matter the format, these organizations are focused on making sure everyone has a chance to share in the joy of the holiday season. Find a location near you:
Holiday Meals and Food Boxes, 2024 - Hancock and Washington counties, Maine
BUCKSPORT
Bucksport Community Concerns Food Pantry
181 Franklin Street, Bucksport
Residents of Bucksport, Orland, Verona Island, and Prospect can sign up for their Thanksgiving program by calling 207-707-9087 on Mondays 5 to 7 p.m. and Wednesdays 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
CALAIS
Second Baptist Church hosts a monthly meal on the 1st Friday (postponed until February 2025!)
4:30 to 6 pm. Dine in or takeout. Call 207-454-2579
CHERRYFIELD
Downeast Table of Plenty, Sundays 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Weald Bethel Community Center, 6 Weald Bethel Ln. The Maine SeaCoast Mission and community partners offer free, community meals every Sunday, 3:30-5 p.m. throughout the holidays!
Maine Seacoast Mission Holiday Celebration Event, free and open to the public
Weald Bethel Community Center, Friday, December 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Holiday celebration event, for children and adults to engage in a variety of crafts including ornament making, dreidel painting, games, cookie decorating, and a photo station. There will be light refreshments and a hot chocolate bar available at the Weald Bethel Community Center while campfire and s’mores will take place outside on Mission grounds.
DANFORTH
Danforth Livable Community Center
26 Bancroft Road, Danforth
Free meal every Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., through the holiday season. Donations welcome. Check Facebook Page for updates: Danforth Livable Communities Center-DLCC
DEER ISLE & STONINGTON
Island Community Center’s annual Thanksgiving dinner delivery
Island Community Center, 10 Memorial Lane, Stonington
If you want or need a dinner for Thanksgiving sign up for Island Community Center’s annual Thanksgiving dinner delivery. Call the Island Community Center at 207-367-2735. They will need your name, physical address, and phone number. Deliveries start at 9am on Thanksgiving Day.
EASTPORT
Eastport’s WaCo Diner
Eastport’s WaCo Diner will offer a free meal on November 28, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Donations for the dinner will go to Sarah’s House in Holden. Reservations are required, and filling up fast! Call 207-853-9226 for reservations.
ELLSWORTH
Loaves & Fishes
137 Downeast Highway, Ellsworth
This year Thanksgiving dinner items will be included in the pantry for your regular shopping. Pantry hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. as well as Wednesday 4 to 6:30 p.m. If you are not a current client you can sign up to shop in person or by calling 207-667-4363. NOTE The pantry will be closed November 27 - December 2.
Ellsworth Elks Lodge, Free Thanksgiving Meal
317 High St, Ellsworth
Thursday November 23th, 11a.m. to 2 p.m.
Indoor dining, take-out, and some delivery for Ellsworth only (call ahead for take-out and delivery) Call 207-322-1728 to schedule a pick-up or delivery.
Free holiday food boxes for Thanksgiving and Christmas
Emmaus Homeless Shelter - 51 Main Street, Ellsworth
Thanksgiving boxes are now available and you can sign up for a Christmas box at the same time. You will be asked for your name, address, number of people in your household and your monthly income. A pickup time and date will be given to you when you call to sign up. Call 207-667-3962 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. before November 25
GOULDSBORO
Schoodic Food Pantry Thanksgiving Food Baskets
829 US Route 1, Gouldsboro
Thanksgiving Food Baskets will be distributed November 27 at the Prospect Harbor Methodist Church. To request a basket, call 207-650-9164.
MACHIAS
Machias-area Community Supper, free and open to the public! Donations welcome
Centre Street Congregational Church, 9 Center Street, Machias
Doors open 4:30pm, Meal served 5 to 6 p.m., Thursdays 2x/month: November 21, December 5, December 19. For questions contact Julie at 518-813-3763
NORTHEAST HARBOR
Maine Seacoast Mission and Mount Desert Chamber of Commerce’s Northeast Harbor Christmas Festival
Saturday, December 7th at 6 Old Firehouse Lane
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. families can create a jingle bell noise maker to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus. At 3:30 p.m., the Mission’s flagship boat, the Sunbeam, will deliver Santa and Mrs. Claus to Northeast Harbor’s marina. From 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. the Mission will welcome guests for an open house. Stop by for holiday cheer and lite refreshments.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR
Clark Point Café, Free Thanksgiving meals offered to community members
Clark Point Cafe, 4 Clark Point Rd
Each meal serves one and will include: sliced roasted turkey breast, herb stuffing, mashed potatoes, string beans, pan gravy, cranberry sauce, house made rolls and pumpkin pie - all made in-house, from scratch! To order your holiday meal, stop by the Cafe during our operating hours (Thursday-Sunday 7:30am-12pm) or call 207-244-8282 and leave a message with your full name, phone number and the number of meals you would like.
The deadline for ordering is Wednesday, November 20th. (Please note: They may not be able to accommodate orders after this deadline.) Meal pickup is Wednesday, November 27, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Click here for a full list of food pantries and meal programs in Hancock and Washington counties