Food pantries are seeing record-high demand ahead of the holiday season, following the government shutdown, which cut off millions of people from federal food assistance.

The Des Moines Area Religious Council broke an all-time record on Nov. 3 by serving about 2,500 households across its food pantries in the metro. With the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history ending on Nov. 12, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits have resumed in Iowa.

Here are some locations in the Des Moines metro where residents can get a free Thanksgiving meal.

Urbandale Food Pantry

The Urbandale Food Pantry provides turkeys as a protein option when clients check in for a full shopping trip. It is not in addition to any of its services. The turkeys are first-come, first-served, so

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