New York City’s Largest and Longest-Running Thanksgiving Tradition Persists Despite Biting Inflation

Even as inflation continues to drive up the price of Thanksgiving dinner, The Bowery Mission remains determined to welcome more than 1,000 New Yorkers around its family table for a day of feasting, music, and community building.

Now in its 143rd year, Thanksgiving at The Bowery Mission is New York City’s largest and longest running community celebration for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. On Thursday, November 24, more than 350 volunteers will serve hot meals continuously from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mission’s historic flagship campus (227 Bowery).

“In a city where New Yorkers experiencing homelessness can often feel invisible or even threatened, we offer a safe and welcoming home — a ‘family table’ where anyone can be seen and heard,” said James Winans, President and CEO of The Bowery Mission. “Everything is prepared from scratch and with love by our faithful staff, supporters and volunteers.”

All guests will be invited to enjoy traditional turkey dinners, hot coffee, and homemade pies, and leave with a practical care kit filled with hygiene items and winter accessories.

This year’s celebration was made possible by the Mission’s individual supporters, corporate and community partners. The Bowery Mission gratefully recognizes the following corporate sponsors for their support: Pura Vida Investments, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Chobani, AvalonBay, Jefferies, Morgan Stanley, Ramy Brook, Smartrise Health, Sony Corporation of America, Con Edison, and RTW Charitable Foundation.

The Bowery Mission’s Thanksgiving meal tradition began in the 1870s, 45 years before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Preparations began weeks in advance to ensure everyone can enjoy a hearty meal. “We’re preparing 200 turkeys, 2,500 pounds of potatoes, 740 pounds of apple chutney and succotash, 600 pounds of stuffing and 2,000 pieces of cornbread,” said Raffaele DePalma, Executive Chef at The Bowery Mission.

About The Bowery Mission

The Bowery Mission has served New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and hunger since the 1870s. Last year, The Bowery Mission provided more than 258,000 hot meals, 56,000 nights of shelter, 21,000 articles of clothing, and 42,000 emergency showers. Each meal and every service is an invitation to our Residential and Community Programs that help clients make progress toward a transformed life of faith, community, sobriety, sustainable income and independent living. To empower children to thrive and succeed, The Bowery Mission also offers year-round opportunities for enrichment through Mont Lawn City Camp, culminating in summer camp for hundreds of children in the Poconos Region of Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit www.bowery.org.