Giant Food to Give Away 1,000 Turkeys, Gift Cards, Produce and Sides to Federal Workers and SNAP Recipients this Thanksgiving

The region’s leading grocer is teaming with popular local chefs and the D.C. United Foundation to make the holiday a little brighter for families.

Washington, D.C. – Giant Food, in partnership with the D.C. United Foundation, will give away 1,000 holiday meal kits to furloughed federal workers and those impacted by SNAP changes in an effort to help their families enjoy soul-warming dinners this holiday season. Each holiday meal kit will include a turkey breast, Giant Food gift card, fresh produce and non-perishable sides, as well as a special, chef-created spice blend.

Federal workers and SNAP recipients who would like to receive a holiday meal kit will be able to reserve one beginning November 7 via this sign-up form. Once the reservation is confirmed, workers will be able to pick up the turkeys in person on Nov. 25 at the Giant Food at 1400 Seventh St. NW  – just in time for the holiday.

To help recipients make their turkey dinners truly restaurant-worthy, Giant has partnered with three of the city’s premier chefs to provide recipes and spice rubs they’ve created exclusively for recipients, which will be distributed at random with the holiday meal kits. Benjamin Lambert, executive chef of the Occidental, is preparing a classic American turkey recipe and spice pack that embodies the Occidental, a historic restaurant known best as “where Statesmen dine”; Lonie Murdock, owner and executive chef of Isla, the buzzy new globally inspired restaurant, will create an island-inspired recipe and spice rub; and Sanjay Mandhaiya, owner and executive chef of Pappe and Karravaan, will offer an Indian-inspired recipe and blend together a tandoori spice mix. 

“For nearly 90 years, community has been at the heart of Giant Food. During times of uncertainty, we remain committed to supporting our neighbors and ensuring that families across our region have access to the food and resources they need,” said Giant Food President Ira Kress. “We’re excited to partner with the D.C. United Foundation and these incredible local chefs to ensure that more members of our community are able to gather and enjoy a delicious meal together this Thanksgiving.”

Giant Food, the region’s leading grocer, has long been a community resource and committed partner in the fight against hunger. Every Giant Food store partners with a local community organization to rescue surplus food and distribute fresh produce and meat to those in need year-round, donating the equivalent of over 6 million meals to neighbors so far in 2025 alone.

“Community is at the heart of who we are as a club and as a city,” said Shanell Mosley, Executive Director of the D.C. United Foundation. “We’re honored to team up with Giant Food and some of D.C.’s most talented chefs to make this holiday season a little brighter for our neighbors. Partnering with organizations that share our love for the District and commitment to service allows us to create meaningful change for families across the DMV.”

In addition to providing furloughed workers and SNAP recipients fixings for a cozy holiday dinner, Giant Food will also provide 7,800 whole turkeys, 7,500 turkey breasts and 4,000 pumpkin pies to neighbors in the region for Thanksgiving, supporting the efforts of all five major Feeding America Food Banks (Capital Area Food Bank, Maryland Food Bank, Food Bank of Delaware, Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank), and 50 grass root organizations. Giant Food will also distribute $25,000 in Giant Food gift cards to first responders and veterans for the upcoming holiday. 

Those interested in working alongside Giant Food in its efforts this holiday can make a difference through the annual Lend a Hand for Hunger campaign: Round up your purchase or donate a nonperishable item at any local Giant store to directly support nearby food banks and families in need this holiday season to support Feeding America Food Banks across the region. 

About Giant Food

Since opening its first location in Washington, D.C., in 1936, Giant has been an integral part of the communities and customers it serves. Giant is committed to being a Better Neighbor and has designated four main giving pillars that address local Food Insecurity, Military Support, Pediatric Cancer Research, and Social Equality. Giant is headquartered in Landover, Md., and operates 163 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia with approximately 20,000 associates. Included within the 163 stores are 153 full-service pharmacies and 28 Starbucks locations. Giant fits all the way today’s busy customers want to shop – in-store or online. With 161 Giant Pickup locations and delivery options available in all its markets, customers have even more convenient options to get the best products and prices whenever and however they choose. For more information on Giant Food, visit giantfood.com.  

About The D.C. United Foundation

The D.C. United Foundation is an extension of D.C. United, the Major League Soccer Club located in Washington, D.C., and prioritizes serving populations that lack equitable access to important resources and education. The D.C. United Foundation harnesses the power of soccer to reach underserved communities in the D.C. area and give youth the tools necessary to soar on and off the pitch. Our work is centered around programming and partners that encourage and provide opportunities for community members to thrive, unite, and have essential support. For more information, visit dcunited.com/foundation.