As Thanksgiving approaches, churches and community groups across Maine are gearing up to host free meals and distribute free turkeys and fixings.

The holiday arrives at a time when food pantries are seeing a surge in demand as grocery prices increase and some people see reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits that went into effect in October.

When there was uncertainty during the 43-day government shutdown about whether November SNAP benefits would be distributed, dozens of restaurants, businesses and community groups stepped up to offer food assistance to people in need.

That kind of generosity will continue through the Thanksgiving holiday.

In Kennebunk, Community Harvest will host its 27th annual Thanksgiving feast at St. Martha’s Church. The nonprofit has partnered with The Nonantum resort executive chef Steve Sicinski, who will oversee the meal preparation alongside dozens of volunteers.

“With the rising prices of food and the uncertainty of federal benefits many local individuals and families rely on, coming together to prepare, serve and deliver hearty and heartfelt meals is incredibly important,” Community Harvest executive director Kerry de Bree said. “Community Harvest’s mission is connecting people over shared meals, and we are honored to continue a tradition we started in 1999.”

In Alfred, the First County Food Pantry is gearing up to distribute 650 Thanksgiving baskets with turkeys, fresh produce, stuffing and dessert. They will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis to anyone who shows up between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Robin Stansfield, chief advancement officer for First County Foundation, said the food pantry has been doing the Thanksgiving giveaway for years but the need is now greater than ever. The pantry has seen an increase of about 50 families a week in the past month.

“This brings some ease and joy to people’s holidays who might otherwise not be able to afford a full meal,” she said.

Here are some of the options for meals and food pickups across southern, western and central Maine.

COMMUNITY MEALS

Freeport: Thanksgiving meal will be served Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Freeport Community Center, 53 Depot St.

Gardiner: Free Thanksgiving meals for dine-in, to go or delivery at the Boys & Girls Club of Kennebec Valley, 14 Pray St. Meals served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 27. For delivery, call Gary at 207-437-2487.

Gorham: Community Thanksgiving dinner at Summit Community Church, 26 Cressey Road. Dinner served 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration closes Nov. 20. For more details, call 207-839-4434 or email [email protected].

Madison: Thanksgiving dinner will be served at noon Nov. 27 at the Madison VFW 7865, 58 Preble St. Delivery is available for those who need it; call 207-696-3806 to set up.

Norway: A free community dinner for Oxford Hills residents will be served at noon Nov. 27 at Saint Catherine of Sienna Church, 32 Paris St. Reservations, which can be made by calling 207-743-2606, are encouraged to ensure there’s enough food to go around. Oxford Hills residents unable to leave their homes can also have a meal delivered; call by Nov. 25 to set up delivery.

Oakland: Thanksgiving dinner, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Messalonskee High School cafeteria, 131 Messalonskee High Drive. For meal delivery, call 207-314-4080.

Phippsburg: Free community Thanksgiving dinner served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Phippsburg Sportsmen’s Association, 272 Main Road. Dine in or take out; free rides and delivery available. Call Norma at 207-504-1227 to set up takeout meals, rides or delivery.

Rangeley: The 43rd annual community Thanksgiving dinner will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 23 at Church of the Good Shepherd, 2614 Main St. Reservations are appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Call 207-864-3381 to make a reservation or arrange pickup or delivery.

Rumford: Post-Thanksgiving community meal, 4 p.m. on Nov. 28 in the Parish of the Holy Savior parish hall, 126 Main St.

Saco: Community Thanksgiving dinner, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 27, Most Holy Trinity Church Hall, 271 Main St. Dinners can be eaten in the hall or picked up. Delivery is available by calling 207-468-7324 by 4 p.m. Nov. 24.

Scarborough: Community Thanksgiving, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 27 in the Wentworth School cafeteria, 20 Quentin Drive. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations can be made online at scarboroughcommunitythanksgiving.org or by calling 207-730-4171.

Skowhegan: Community Thanksgiving dinner, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Skowhegan Community Center, 39 Poulin Drive. Deliveries available within a 5 mile radius. Deliver reservations must be made by Nov. 25 by calling 474-6901.

MEAL BOXES AND PREPARED MEALS

Alfred: Thanksgiving food baskets will be distributed at First County Food Pantry, 5 Swetts Bridge Road, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 24, 25 and 26. First-come, first-serve, drive-thru.

Freeport: Freeport Community Services is distributing food boxes and meals. Call Kara at 207-865-3985, ext. 205, for more information or to sign up.

Lewiston and Portland: The Root Cellar will distribute turkey dinner baskets. Call 207-782-3659 for more information.

Portland: Wayside Food Programs will offer Thanksgiving meals to go, as well as boxes with dinner ingredients. Anyone interested must call 207-775-4939 by Nov. 17.

Portland: Thanksgiving boxes will be distributed first-come, first-served from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Stroudwater Food Pantry, 1452 Westbrook St. Existing food pantry clients will receive their boxes ahead of the public distribution.

Solon: Free Thanksgiving dinner to pick up and reheat at home available between noon and 2 p.m. Nov. 26. Call 207-643-2400 to reserve a meal or arrange delivery.

Windham: Hailey’s Kitchen will provide meals to people who need them. Call 207-880-9506 for more information.

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Know of a community meal, food distribution event or other Thanksgiving meal assistance for Maine families that isn’t listed here? Email us at [email protected] so we can add it.