Where to find free Thanksgiving meals in Whatcom, Skagit counties

Thanksgiving is a holiday that celebrates abundance. But if that’s not your reality, you’re in good company. Hundreds of families in Whatcom and Skagit counties need help with groceries as the cost of living continues to go up. This time of year, “food is on people’s minds,” said Mike Cohen, executive director of the Bellingham Food Bank, “regardless of where they are on the food security spectrum.” People are feeling the pinch of inflation and cuts to public benefit programs. Visits to Whatcom County food banks are on the rise, with a nearly 6% increase in the most recent fiscal year compared to the previous one, according to reports from nearly all food banks in the region. Below are some places to find free Thanksgiving meals in our region. For those instead looking to give, the organizations below can serve as a starting point. Keep in mind that hunger relief groups can often make financial donations stretch further than food items.

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