Cincinnati Animal Care (CAC) is teaming up with a Clifton Heights restaurant to ensure everyone has a meal on Thanksgiving this year.
For the sixth year in a row, Good Plates Eatery will pass out free Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to anyone interested, no questions asked.
“There is no charge, no questions, no reason needed. Just show up, let us know how many meals you need and you’ll be on your way,” Good Plates owner Andrew Schlanser told CityBeat in a past interview.
In 2024, Schlanser says they served more than 3,000 community members. This year, the distribution will also extend to pets in need as CAC joins the effort with a new initiative called “A Feast for Every Friend.”
“We’ve always believed in feeding our neighbors — no questions asked — and this year we get to extend that kindness to their four-legged friends too,” Schlanser said in a press release. “It’s an honor to partner with Cincinnati Animal CARE to make sure every family, whether they walk on two legs or four, gets a warm meal this Thanksgiving.”
The shelter aims to raise $5,000 to provide dog-friendly Thanksgiving meals for those picking up at Good Plates this year, as well as for the over 300 dogs both currently in the shelter’s care and families supported through CARE’s Community Support Pantry.
“This partnership represents what we believe in most — that pets and people belong together,” said Lisa Colina, senior manager of community engagement at CAC. “If we can help ensure no one has to choose between caring for themselves or their pet, while also letting more people in our community know who we are and the services we can provide, we can reach those who need us most. Good Plates is a leader in our community, and we’re proud to partner with them.”
You can donate to A Feast for Every Friend here. All funds will go toward purchasing ingredients and supplies to make the pet meals. Any money left over will go toward supporting CAC’s shelters and work.
Good Plates’ annual distribution will be on Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, at their restaurant at 235 W. McMillan St. in Clifton Heights. Distribution starts at 11 a.m. and will continue until food runs out. The restaurant is also collecting new or gently used coats, hats and gloves. You can also give monetary donations for human meals at the restaurant’s Venmo, @goodplateseatery.
CAC will also partner with Good Plates on the Christmas meal distribution and a pet gear drive, which will expand the initiative to include winter items and pet food during the holiday season.
Learn more about A Feast for Every Friend: facebook.com.
