Free Thanksgiving meals across the metro for those in need
ST. PAUL, Minn. — As Minnesotans prepare for Thanksgiving, several groups are stepping up and providing a free holiday meal with all of the fixings.
Inside J. Selby's, the plant-based restaurant is cooking up magic, and looking to make a difference one plate at a time.
"We just want everyone in the community to be able to access a warm meal during the holiday," said front end manager Brynn Sieve.
Sieve says they've been offering a free Thanksgiving meal, no questions asked, since they opened their doors in 2017.
She said the restaurant prepares between 250 and 400 meals every year. Doors open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or while supplies last.
The meal is a vegan Thanksgiving plate with vegan turkey, stuffing, kale, quinoa salad and a dinner roll.
"With all the other wonderful places that are providing these free meals we just wanted to make sure it was very inclusive," Sieve said.
Over at Christ on Capitol Hill, it's crunch time.
"We are peeling potatoes, we have at least 100 pounds we are peeling and chopping tomorrow," said Shobi's Table executive director Kari Olsen.
Shobi's Table is a kitchen-based community providing nutritious meals. They are collaborating with Daily Work, a nonprofit that supports people looking to find a job. It's their first ever Gratitude Feast.
"We wanted to make a place where folks who may not have family would have a place to make those relationships," Olsen said.
They are preparing for 150 guests from all walks of life to come together at the church between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Olsen said it's not about feeding those in need but creating a community.
"It's not about what you can pay, it's that we become a gift for one another," she said.
Serving up kindness, one plate at a time.
Below you will find a list of Thanksgiving day meals that you can register for.
- Gratitude Feast: 105 University Ave W. St. Paul, 12 to 2 p.m. You can email Director@shobistable.org to reserve your spot.
- Union Gospel: Men's Campus: 435 University Ave. E, St. Paul., 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
- Catholic Charities Saint Paul Opportunity Center 422 Dorothy Day Pl., 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
- Catholic Charities Mary F. Frey Minneapolis Opportunity Center 740 E 17th St, Minneapolis, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- J. Selby's 163 Victoria St N., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or while supplies last.
