United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley’s annual Thanksgiving Project gave away 500 Thanksgiving meal packages, which were distributed at Interfaith Social Services at 105 Adams St. on Saturday. Packages also were distributed at the Weymouth Food Pantry and Randolph High School.



In total, 1,100 South Shore families received a Thanksgiving meal package consisting of a turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, corn muffin mix, cans of corn and mixed vegetables, beans, rice, onions and potatoes.



“The Thanksgiving Project continues to grow year over year, which is a testament to the support of our donors and volunteers, but also shows how much need remains in our communities,” said Michael Durkin, president of United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. “These Thanksgiving baskets are so important to a struggling family, not only because they provide a celebratory meal, but because they allow families to enjoy the holiday without sacrificing crucial areas of their budget.”



The cost of providing a Thanksgiving meal for a family of four is $40, up from $35 two years ago, the United Way estimates.



