Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, one of the largest comprehensive health and human services organizations in Northeast Ohio, is gearing up for its annual preparation and distribution of 12,000 turkey dinners on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 27.

Catholic Charities will provide free holiday meals at the St. Augustine Hunger Center in Tremont, as well as through free home delivery—thanks to volunteers across greater Cleveland.

“One in six people across Northeast Ohio is food insecure, a number that is climbing rapidly with the rising cost of food and recent SNAP restrictions,” Jim Mullen, president and CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, said in a statement. “We embrace the holiday season as an especially important time to connect with the families and individuals we serve, building community and creating hope one nourishing meal at a time.”

The Thanksgiving meal program is possible thanks to the support of Barons Bus and Cleveland Barons Hockey, and long-time partner Elk & Elk Co., Ltd., as well as local parishes.

Have a meal delivered

 Anyone interested in having a holiday meal delivered can register by calling (216) 377-3725. Required information includes name, phone number, address, and the number of meals requested.

Registration for home delivery will close after 12,000 meals are requested, or at 12 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24. Meals will be delivered on Thursday, Nov. 27, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Join the Thanksgiving community meal

For those who’d like to join the in-person meal, community members are invited to the St. Augustine Hunger Center on Thursday, Nov. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center, 1400 Howard Ave., Cleveland, 44113. Catholic Charities will also distribute hot meals through approximately 15 community partner agencies that support individuals in need in surrounding communities.

Fill the Pantry

On Wednesday, Nov. 26, Catholic Charities will accept donations of shelf-stable foods at St. Augustine Hunger Center from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. All donations will be shared with neighbors in need throughout the holiday season through Catholic Charities’ food shelves and pantries across the eight counties the Diocese serves.

Catholic Charities leaders suggest that volunteers also collect goods from colleagues, friends, and neighbors to help keep the pantry shelves full through the holidays.

Suggested items:

• Canned soups
• Canned vegetables (corn, green beans)
• Pantry mixes (stuffing, pancakes)
• Canned meats and fish packed in water
• Canned or dried beans and lentils
• Whole-grain pasta and crackers
• Cleaning supplies (laundry/dish soap, toilet cleaner, disinfectant)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues
• Soap, shampoo, deodorant (travel size)
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Combs, hairbrushes, nail clippers

During the 2025 holiday season, individuals and families across Northeast Ohio can also make a monetary gift toward Catholic Charities’ community hot meals and food assistance resources that are provided year-round at sites across eight Northeast Ohio counties.