Thanksgiving is a day for food and family, but with food insecurity rising, some may be in need of a bit of help on the holiday.

U.S. “food insecurity” has been at a near-decade high, according to data through 2023 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Broadly speaking, food insecurity refers to the condition in which households have limited or tentative access to sufficient food. The USDA defines it in two ways — “low food security,” referring to “reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet,” and “very low food security,” which means “multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.”

Furthermore, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were delayed in early November, causing some to experience an increase in food need for the month — a month already highlighted by a food-based holiday.

For those in need, various Denver-area restaurants and nonprofits are holding an array of Thanksgiving events and giveaways throughout the city on Thursday during the holiday.

The Salvation Army Intermountain Division, for example, is preparing to feed around 3,000 people at its free community meal event in Aurora on Thursday.

Between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., the nonprofit will be handing out hot meals to those in need at the Crossroads Center in Denver, 1901 29th St., Denver, and the Aurora Corps in Aurora, 802 Quari Court, according to a press release from the organization.

Also in Aurora, the Mean Street Worship Center Church, 1300 Jamaica St., will be holding its annual “Madsgiving” event despite losing the two main chefs who created the giveaway back in 2018.

Denver-based chef Tajahi Cooke and his wife, Danielle Cooke, started the event after handing out meals to neighbors on Thanksgiving. Since, it has served over 60,000 people with around 16,000 meals given out to those in need each year.

The Cooke’s recently moved to Jamaica to start kitchens for those affected by recent hurricanes, but lead pastor at Mean Street Worship Center Dwayne Johnson is keeping the event running — come hell or high water.

“All of the people are pulling together. We’re making it happen,” Johnson told The Denver Gazette. “I even have a group of Amish families coming up off the farm to help. I even have Uber drivers coming to help deliver.”

Johnson said he’s cooking 5,000 meals himself with other kitchens pulling together another 8,000.

“I didn’t have hair to begin with. I definitely don’t now,” Johnson laughed.

While meals will be handed out to homeless people in the area, nursing homes and hospice facilities, people can get the meals at Rocky Mountain SER (150 Sheridan Blvd., Denver).

“We pride ourselves on working with the people who are less fortunate. That’s how our ministry started — working with the people on the streets,” Johnson said. “It’s literally the difference between an empty belly and a full belly if I don’t get this done.”

The Golden Mill will also be holding a pay-what-you-can lunch with a Mexican twist at its location in Golden from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. The event is on its second year and served around 400 people in 2024. They are expecting double the amount Thursday.

“The Golden Mill is, and always has been, a community gathering place. Events like this are important to us because they reflect our values of both creating a space for and serving the community,” a spokesperson told The Denver Gazette. “We want to make sure everyone feels welcome — whether they find themselves in need, they’re away from home, or they’re simply seeking connection.”

RSVPs can be placed at thegoldenmill.com. All donations go to the BGoldN nonprofit.

Brother Jeff Cultural Center in Denver will also be giving out free meals on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

SAME Café in Denver will be holding a pay-what-you-can lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday. No reservations are necessary.