An Oklahoma megachurch has canceled its 'Friendsgiving' amid COVID-19 spike and it's giving away food instead

• A mega church that came under fire for hosting large gatherings canceled a Friendsgiving event and gave away meals instead.
• Victory Church in Tulsa boxed up the food it purchased for its annual event to donate to the public.
• The CDC recommends that Americans don't gather with people outside their household for this holiday amid a spike in COVID-19 cases.

A megachurch in Tulsa, Oklahoma was planning on ignoring COVID-19 safety recommendations to host a "Friendsgiving" celebration, but after massive backlash decided to cancel and instead donate the food, NBC News reported.

Victory Church has been tied up in controversy for their disregard of social distancing measures. As recently as last week, the church came under fire when they hosted a crowded indoor concert with few mask-wearers, Tusla Public Radio reported.

The CDC has recommended that Americans not attend Thanksgiving gatherings as COVID-19 continues to spike.

Until recently Victory Church was planning to host its annual Friendsgiving event, even encouraging that their members bring a neighbor, NBC reported.

Their social media post, which NBC News reported drew the ire of those worried about the superspreader event, has been removed.

Instead, the church plans to give away the food it had purchased as boxed meals.

"We did not have the Friendsgiving event today that we do every year. This year we changed it up and gave away boxed meals with turkeys, hams, and dry goods for those in need to take home and prepare for their families," Daniel Henshaw, director of operations for Victory Church told NBC News.

Henshaw told the outlet that the boxed Thanksgiving dinners were among 13 millions meals the church has donated this year.

The CDC has said the safest way to celebrate the holiday is to gather virtually. Those who do attend a family dinner should bring their own food, drinks, dishes and utensils. They should also wear a mask and keep a distance from those who live outside their household.