Where to Get Fresh Local Turkeys for Thanksgiving

Tory Elmore, GoLocalProv Contributor

Where to Get Fresh Local Turkeys for Thanksgiving

Local, fresh birds at Rhode Island farms
The Rhode Island Red may be the official state bird, but farms across the Ocean State are teeming with turkeys just in time for Thanksgiving. Whether you pre-order directly from the farm or pick up a bird from the Wintertime Farmers Market in Pawtucket, Whole Foods or Dave’s Marketplace, local farms are sure to deliver a mouth-watering meal for the upcoming holiday. Don’t forget to pick up some locally-sourced produce while you’re out – with farms still offering everything from spinach and green beans to sweet potatoes and pumpkins, your entire feast will leave your family – and the state economy – giving thanks for local agriculture.  

Belwing Turkey Farm, 773 Taunton Avenue, Seekonk

Belwing was established in 1944 by Irving and Bernice Dickens and is now operated by their daughter, Phyllis. Their turkeys are sourced on-farm and from an off-site location. Thanksgiving turkeys are available for pre-order by telephone at (508) 33-9142 and can be picked up on November 22 or 23 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.  

Bongi’s Turkey Roost, 414 Kingstown Way, Duxbury, MA

Almost 40 miles from Providence, Bongi’s – founded in 1947 – is a little farther away, but a true specialist in turkeys and prepared turkey dishes. Roasted turkeys for Thanksgiving are available for pre-order now and fresh birds will be available starting Sunday, November 20 at (781) 585-2392. The farm stand will hold special hours during Thanksgiving week: Sat/Sun 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon/Tues 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wed 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other prepared Thanksgiving dishes available include gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, butternut squash and a variety of fruit pies.  

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Baffoni’s Poultry Farm, 324 Greenville Avenue, Johnston

Baffoni’s is an 80-acre farm founded in 1935. All of its 25,000 chickens and 1,200 turkeys are raised on natural 100% vegetarian feed and its poultry is cage-free. Their turkeys live on large, fenced-in platforms outdoors. Everything is conducted on-site by just eight full-time employees. Buffoni’s poultry is available at Eastside Marketplace in Providence, at their daily on-site Farm Stand or at the Wintertime Farmer’s Market in Pawtucket. Thanksgiving orders can be placed via telephone at (401) 231-6315.  Farm Stand Hours: M/TH 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., T/W/F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Helger’s Turkey Ranch, 2554 Main Road, Tiverton

Helger’s is a 22-acre, family run turkey ranch founded in 1939 and operated by Chad Helger. Turkeys range in size from 14-30 lbs, though orders for Thanksgiving opened on October 1, so available sizes are now limited. Some birds are still available for pre-order by telephone at (401) 624-4087. Pickup is Wednesday, November 24, a.m. or p.m.  

Locust Leaf Farm, 5 East Killingly Road, Foster

Locust Leaf, founded in 1997, is a 7-acre farm run by Bill and Julia Boyce that specializes in fresh beef, turkey, chicken and lamb. The farm is chemical free – its turkeys are raised without hormones or antibiotics. The farm also has a clean, state-of-the-art processing facility on-site and provides specialized cuts on request. Thanksgiving turkeys are available for pre-order at (401) 647-4385.  

Pat’s Pastured, 951 Fort Getty Road, Jamestown

Pat’s is a 100-acre farm founded in 2002 and run by Pat McNiff. Pat’s Heritage breed turkeys are grass-fed and raised in moveable shelters. Two types of turkey are available for Thanksgiving pre-order – Standard White (generally 20+ lbs, generous portions of white breast meat, $5.50/lb) and Broad-Breasted Bronze (generally 18-20 lbs with slightly more dark meat, $6.50/lb) – via telephone at (401) 413-9770 or online here. Pickup is Tuesday, November 22 from 3-7 p.m.  

Pine View Farm, 56 Peeptoad Road, Scituate

Pine View is a 12-acre farm founded in 1997. Run by Frank Martinelli, the farm raises both white and bronze range-fed turkeys. Their birds are raised chemical-free, with no hormones or antibiotics. Vegetables are grown in the greenhouses year-round; pumpkins, spinach and green beans are all still available for a well-rounded Thanksgiving feast! Pine View products are available at Whole Foods and Dave’s Markets, the Wintertime Farmer’s Market. Thanksgiving orders can be placed via telephone at (401) 764-0218.  

Simmons Farm, 1942 West Main Road, Middletown

Simmons is a 120-acre certified organic farm run by Brian and Karla Simmons. Founded in 1880, the farm also features a petting zoo! Organic Thanksgiving turkeys are available for pre-order by size (small, medium, large) for $5.10/lb at (401) 848-9910. Green beans, pumpkins, spinach, potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash and a variety of other produce items for a Thanksgiving feast are also still available at the Wintertime Farmer’s Market, A Market Natural Foods in Newport and the Green Grocer in Portsmouth.  

Wintertime Farmer’s Market, Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket: Wednesday: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

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