Central Ohio families receive free Thanksgiving meal ahead of holiday

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — Feeding a family during the holiday can be difficult in any year. Factor in a pandemic and many families are struggling more this season.

Multiple organizations across Central Ohio are stepping up to make sure no one goes without a Thanksgiving dinner.

“It puts food on our table for Thanksgiving and days after,” said Tomika Greathouse, as she received Thanksgiving dinner.

Tomika Greathouse and her mother are just two of the hundreds of Central Ohio residents in need of a helping hand this Thanksgiving.

“We’re going through a time of our own, my mother is sick right now,” said Greathouse. “So, financially it helps out.”

Greathouse and dozens of other families lined up their cars to receive a Thanksgiving meal from Lutheran Social Services on Monday afternoon. Volunteers filling each car with a full spread.

“They’re getting a 12-pound turkey, all the trimmings to make that holiday meal that we all know and love, green beans, stuffing, mashed potatoes,” said Jennifer Fralic, Director of the Lutheran Social Services Food Pantries.

LSS meals required a registration and pick-up time for the contactless event.

“We have about 500 folks scheduled for today,” said Fralic.

However, families still looking for a meal have other options throughout the area.

“We’re going to serve people to-go Thanksgiving meals," said Major Debra Ashcraft, with the Salvation Army. "The complete turkey dinner and pumpkin pie."

With the help of community partners and donations, the Salvation Army will provide meal pick-up options this week.

“On Wednesday, we’ll be providing to-go Thanksgiving meals via a drive-through system at our Hilltop location at 11, and at our East Main Street location at noon,” said Major Ashcraft.

All are welcome to pick up a meal. There is no reservation or screening needed. The only stipulation is that you can only pick-up a meal for your family. You can’t pick up multiple meals.

“On Thursday, at the Chapel at Worthington Woods, there will be a dinner provided through Rusty Bucket, and that will be at noon,” said Major Ashcraft.

Major Debra Ashcraft, with the Salvation Army, said they have seen the need for food assistance increase dramatically since the start of the pandemic. The drive through Thanksgiving is just another way they can help serve the community safely.

“We want people to be safe, enjoy their Thanksgiving meal, and stay healthy for many thanksgivings to come,” said Major Ashcraft.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION (

0

)

Pick-up times and locations can be found below:

• The Hilltop Worship and Service Center, 2300 W. Mound Street. Distribution is Wednesday at 11 a.m.
• The East Main Worship and Service Center, 966 E. Main Street. Distribution is Wednesday at noon.
• The Chapel at Worthington Woods Worship and Service Center, 760 Worthington Blvd. Distribution will be Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon.