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The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also be difficult for those who are struggling, alone, or simply need a helping hand. Across Arkansas, many generous organizations and volunteers are coming together once again to offer free community Thanksgiving meals for anyone who could use a hot meal or some company on the holiday. Whether you’re looking for a place to share dinner and conversation or just need a warm plate of turkey and dressing, these events are open to all. This list highlights locations confirmed for 2025, but it’s not exhaustive. Many local churches, community centers, and food banks also host meals or distribute food during Thanksgiving week, so be sure to check with those in your area.
Little Rock
- Little Rock Compassion Center – 3618 W. Roosevelt Road
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day (typically noon–6 p.m.)
Details: Boxed meals available. Serves free Thanksgiving meals throughout the holiday weekend. Call 501-296-9114 for details. - Southwest Community Center (with Soul Gathering Ministries) – 6401 Baseline Road
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Details: Free community lunch open to all ages. Dine-in only. No reservation required. - Nehemiah House (Union Rescue Mission) – 2921 Springer Boulevard
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Details: Free Thanksgiving lunch for the homeless and community. Dine-in. No RSVP. - Vine & Village (at Mosaic Church campus) – 6221 Colonel Glenn Road
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. - Canvas Community – 1111 W. 7th Street
Date/Time: Wednesday before Thanksgiving
North Little Rock
- Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene – 116 S. Pine Street
Date/Time: Wednesday before Thanksgiving, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Details: Annual pre-Thanksgiving lunch. Dine-in only. No RSVP required. - Seis Puentes – 3207 Mac Arthur Drive
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 8 a.m.–10 a.m.
Details: 200 non-perishable holiday-themed food boxes will be distributed.
Benton
- First United Methodist Church of Benton – 200 N. Market Street
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Details: Free dine-in meal. Carry-out and delivery available for Saline County residents. Please sign up online or call 501-778-3601.
Hot Springs
- Roanoke Baptist Church – 238 Whittington Avenue
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Details: 3 Locations. Takeout or delivery. Deliveries must be reserved in advance. Day-of meals are limited. - LakePointe Church – 1343 Albert Pike Road
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Details: 3 Locations. Takeout or delivery. Deliveries must be reserved in advance. Day-of meals are limited. - M. Langston Lodge #84 – 357 Silver Street
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Details: 3 Locations. Takeout or delivery. Deliveries must be reserved in advance. Day-of meals are limited.
Pine Bluff
- Neighbor to Neighbor – 1419 S. Pine Street
Date/Time: Wednesday before Thanksgiving, beginning at 12 p.m.
Details: Free pre-Thanksgiving lunch. No RSVP. Call 870-534-2883.
Searcy
- West Race Baptist Church – 1009 W. Race Avenue
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.
Details: Free community Thanksgiving lunch. Pickup, delivery or dine-in. Please register in advance. - Venezia’s Italian Grill – 2841 E. Race Street
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Details: Free Thanksgiving meal for anyone in need. Dine-in only.
El Dorado
- Salvation Army – El Dorado Corps – 419 S. Madison Avenue
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Details: Free community lunch. Dine-in only. Deliveries available to those 65 and older–must call in advance. Call 870-863-4830.
Fort Smith
- Salvation Army of Fort Smith – 301 N. 6th Street
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Details: Free dine-in meal. Open to all.
Springdale
- First United Methodist Church Springdale – 206 W. Johnson Avenue
Date/Time: Wednesday, Nov. 26
Details: Free Thanksgiving meal, dine-in only. Open to all. - For the Love NWA (Springdale) – Behind the Jones Center – use Community Park Drive
Date/Time: Monday, Nov. 24, 5:30-6:30
Details: Free outdoor community dinner. No RSVP required.
Rogers
- CARE Community Center Annual Thanksgiving Dinner (at Southside Church of Christ) – 919 S. Dixieland Road
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Details: Free community dinner for all. Dine-in only. No RSVP required. Call 479-246-0104 or email events@carecc.org. - Christ & Neighbor (Along with TXAR House) – 1211 W Hudson Street
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Details: Free Thanksgiving buffet and coat drive. Dine-in only. - For the Love NWA (Rogers location) – 115 N. Dixieland Road
Date/Time: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 5:30 p.m.
Details: Free community meal served outdoors. No sign-up needed.
Fayetteville
- Salvation Army – Fayetteville – 219 W. 15th Street
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 5 p.m.
Details: Free hot meal daily. Free Thanksgiving lunch will also be provided. Dine-in.
Bentonville
- Salvation Army – Bentonville – 3305 SW I Street
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 5 p.m.
Details: Free hot meal daily. Free Thanksgiving lunch will also be provided. Dine-in. - For the Love NWA (Downtown Bentonville) – 306 SW A Street
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 5:30 p.m.
Details: Free outdoor community dinner. Dine-in-style atmosphere, no RSVP required.
Jonesboro
- Community Thanksgiving Meal – St. Bernards Auditorium, 505 E. Washington Avenue
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Details: Long-running event offering free dine-in meal and delivery within city limits. Call 870-790-0624 for deliveries or fill out this form.
Russellville
- Old South Restaurant – 105 E. Harrell Dr.
Date/Time: Thanksgiving Day, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Details: Free community Thanksgiving meal. Dine-in only. Donations optional.
Deer (Newton County)
- Deer Community Thanksgiving Dinner – Deer High School, Hwy 16.
Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2 p.m.
Details: Free county-wide community Thanksgiving dinner. Dine-in; delivery options being arranged.
If we missed one in your area, please let us know and we will add to the list.
Cover photo courtesy of Old South Restaurant, Russellville.
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