The City Eats Thanksgiving Giveback in San Francisco is a heartwarming community event dedicated to feeding and uplifting the unhoused and low-income residents of the city through a collaborative potluck-style meal distribution.


Every Thanksgiving, The City Eats partners with CityTeam San Francisco to host its annual Thanksgiving Giveback, a vibrant volunteer-powered initiative that transforms compassion into action. Held at 164 6th Street, the event kicks off early with donation drop-offs starting at 7:00 AM, where volunteers contribute warm, store-bought dishes—everything from rotisserie chicken and veggie casseroles to pies and pasta. By 8:00 AM, the space buzzes with energy as volunteers prep and package meals, creating hundreds of boxes filled with comfort food and care.

At 9:30 AM, the real magic begins: teams of volunteers, including TCE Ambassadors, fan out across the city to distribute meals directly to those in need—on foot and by car. The event is open to all ages and welcomes anyone eager to make a difference. Whether you're donating food, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word, the Thanksgiving Giveback is a powerful reminder that everybody eats when The City Eats.