Mountaire Farms Prepares 15,250 Holiday Meal Boxes for Annual Thanksgiving for Thousands

This Mountaire Farms’ tradition began almost 30 years ago as a small community service project and has grown into one of the most anticipated outreach events in Delmarva.

Jamie, Kleman, Contributing Writer | Delaware Live | November 2025

Mountaire Farms is gearing up for one of the region’s largest holiday traditions as volunteers prepare to pack more than fifteen thousand Thanksgiving meals for families across Delmarva. The annual Thanksgiving for Thousands event, set for November 22, continues a long-standing effort to ensure that every household has the opportunity to enjoy a full holiday dinner, even as food costs continue to rise.

The large-scale distribution brings together volunteers from community groups, churches, schools and local organizations. Together, they will pack 15,250 boxes filled with all the items needed for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Each box includes a Mountaire roaster chicken and holiday staples such as stuffing, yams, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce and dessert items. Organizers say the final count of participating groups often grows as the holiday approaches.

The Mountaire tradition began almost 30 years ago as a small community service project and has grown into one of the most anticipated outreach events in Delmarva. Families experiencing financial hardship, seniors and individuals served by neighborhood nonprofits benefit from the holiday boxes, which provide both comfort and relief at a time when grocery bills can stretch household budgets. Local leaders say the event showcases the region’s strong spirit of service, where neighbors continue to look out for one another.

The packing process has become an annual highlight for many volunteers. The event is known for its upbeat, assembly-line atmosphere, where participants move quickly from station to station filling boxes that travel down long conveyor-style rows. Groups often return each year, describing the event as a meaningful kickoff to their own holiday season and a reminder of the power of community.

The program also supports dozens of partner organizations that serve families across Delaware, Maryland and the broader Delmarva region. After the packing event, these partners pick up their assigned boxes and distribute them to households that signed up through their local nonprofit or organization.

How to Get Involved

Community members interested in supporting the effort can sign up to volunteer at one of Mountaire’s packing events. Volunteers help assemble meal boxes, organize food items and assist with preparing boxes for pickup. While registration for organizations requesting boxes has closed for this year, general volunteer opportunities may still be available depending on location and capacity. Those who want to participate are encouraged to reach out directly to learn about remaining openings and ways to help.

Mountaire Farms expects this year’s turnout to be one of its largest yet, continuing a tradition that brings warmth, comfort and connection to thousands of families each Thanksgiving.

Photo Caption: Volunteers pack Thanksgiving meal boxes for Mountaire Farms’ annual Thanksgiving for Thousands event.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mountaire Farms

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