While much of the country is enjoying lovely Thanksgiving feasts, a lot of people will also be struggling to find something to eat. If you’re feeling the giving spirit of the holiday season, we’ve gathered a list of some of the restaurants, food pantries and organizations helping to feed the hungry in New York City. Whether you choose a place to eat out because it’ll send donations to the hungry or you decide to take a hands-on approach to volunteering, check out all the opportunities to give back.
Like last year, Bubby’s is hosting a pay-what-you-like dinner between 5 and 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Although there is no minimum price, the suggested donation is $75 per person, with a quarter of the proceeds going to the New York City Rescue Mission, the oldest homeless shelter in the United States. Sons of Essex For the third year in a row, Sons of Essex is teaming up with the Lower East Side’s Business Improvement District for a $60-per-person holiday feast, with $6 from each meal being donated providing programs and services to those in need in their neighborhood. Bouley Restaurant Bouley Restaurant will be hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Although the price is a little steep — $175 for the entire day — a portion of the proceeds will go to a number of charities, including Tribeca Rescue Mission, HelpHopeLive and School for Strings. Strip House This steakhouse will be hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner from 3-9 p.m. Prices are $42 for adults and $28 for children, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit restaurant group BR Guest’s partner philanthropy organizations, including CityMeals on Wheels, God’s Love We Deliver and CityHarvest. Landmarc Restaurant Marc Murphy, chef and owner of Landmarc Restaurant, is the restaurant co-chair of the City Harvest board, an organization that brings food to the hungry in New York City. Offering a special Thanksgiving menu, Landmarc will continue to donate a portion of its proceeds to City Harvest. Any time between now and Thanksgiving, stop by a Pret and pick up a Holiday Lunch sandwich. Not only is it really good, but a portion of its proceeds will go to the Pret Foundation, which supports organizations that fight against poverty and homelessness in the city (including Harlem Grown, The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation, and the New York Food Pantry). If you’ve already got a Pret favorite, no worries: You can still contribute! Donation boxes are located at every restaurant. Led by pastor Reggie Stutzman, the Real Life Church will be bringing a restaurant-style Thanksgiving meal to about 1,000 people in the Bronx on Thanksgiving. You can contribute money or time to provide a full turkey dinner to needy residents. Part of the Solution Food Pantry This food pantry provides clothing, personal items and Thanksgiving meals to the hungry in the Bronx. Call 718-220-4892 to find out about how you can contribute.
Transfiguration Lutheran Church If you’re searching for a more hands-on approach, try contacting the Transfiguration Lutheran Church. They’ll be giving out Thanksgiving baskets to the needy, and donations are always welcome.
133 Essex St.
163 Duane St.
15 W. 44th St.
179 West Broadway
Real Life Church
The Point Community Center, Hunts Point, Bronx
2759 Webster Ave., Bronx
763 Prospect Ave., Bronx
Food and philanthropy on Thanksgiving
Rev. Reggie Stutzman
