How to Get Your Thanksgiving Turkey for Free: A Savvy Shopper's Guide

With turkey prices skyrocketing 25% compared to last year according to Purdue University College of Agriculture, millions of American families are getting creative about their Thanksgiving plans. While 88% of households still aim for the traditional sit-down meal at home, smart shoppers are discovering multiple ways to bring a free turkey to their table without breaking the bank.

Earn Your Bird Through Warehouse Memberships

BJ’s Wholesale Club is one of the easiest paths to a complimentary turkey this holiday season. Members who rack up $150 in purchases during a single shopping trip by November 10, 2025 will receive a coupon valid for a fresh or frozen Butterball turkey valued at up to $25. Important details: organic turkey options are excluded from this deal, and you’ll need to claim your coupon between November 15-26, 2025.

Over in the Mid-Atlantic region, Giant Eagle operates nearly 230 locations across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana. Their offer rewards customers who spend $350 by November 9, 2025—simply present your myPerks Loyalty Card before November 30 to collect your free turkey. First-time participants must enroll in the myPerks program to qualify.

Loyalty Card Rewards Programs Pack More Value

ShopRite shoppers are being given the longest runway to accumulate their purchase threshold. Spend $400 using your Price Plus loyalty card anytime through Thanksgiving Day to unlock your choice of free or discounted holiday proteins. Options range from conventional turkeys to fresh alternatives like plant-based “turk’y” roasts, smoked ham, or prepared lasagna. Customers have been accumulating points since October 26, so check your online account to monitor progress. Note: Maryland locations are sitting this promotion out.

The Acme Markets app-based system makes earning simple for their 158-store network spanning New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and Connecticut. Spend $300 between mid-October and late November, and you’re eligible for either a Signature Select frozen turkey or turkey breast. The catch: you must use the phone number associated with your Acme for U account to ensure your points accumulate properly.

Community Resources for Those in Greatest Need

For families facing financial hardship, Feeding America operates an extensive nationwide network of food banks and local pantries that distribute complimentary turkeys alongside other Thanksgiving staples. Visit FeedingAmerica.org, locate your state’s food bank, and connect with nearby distribution centers. These organizations typically require proof of residency or income-based qualification, and some may require you to live within their service area. Supply fills quickly, so reaching out early increases your chances of securing both organic and conventionally raised turkeys before inventory runs out.

The smart approach? Start with your preferred grocery chain’s loyalty program, stack purchases strategically, and explore community assistance if you qualify. Between retail promotions and charitable options, there’s a turkey waiting for nearly every household this Thanksgiving.