UPDATE: Thousands of families in need will receive essential Thanksgiving meals during Operation Gobble Gobble 2025, taking place tomorrow, November 25, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Solano County Fairgrounds. Hosted by Food is Free Bay Area and Assemblymember Lori Wilson, the event aims to distribute 2,500 turkeys and 2,500 boxes filled with traditional Thanksgiving foods in a drive-through format.
Volunteers have been working tirelessly, preparing for this crucial event. Just last night, they packed 2,500 boxes with Thanksgiving staples including stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Heather Pierini, Executive Director of Food is Free, remarked on the overwhelming community support, stating, “We have a lot going on, a lot of moving pieces and a lot of organizations from the community coming out to help.”
Families are encouraged to arrive early, as supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are advised to enter via the Redwood Avenue exit and proceed along Fairgrounds Drive through the main gates. “Bring your patience,” Pierini warns, noting that they anticipate a busy turnout.
Operation Gobble Gobble has become a vital lifeline for many in the community, especially following recent increases in food insecurity. Pierini noted that during the recent government shutdown, attendance at regular food distributions surged. “We saw some days where we had 70 new families in a day,” she explained. The highest number served during that period reached 673 families, showing just how urgent the need is.
Assemblymember Wilson has sponsored this event for four years, consistently providing turkeys. “One year, there was Avian flu and we could only provide chickens, but we still have been able to help thousands of families with holiday food,” she stated.
As the demand for food assistance continues to rise, local organizations are pushing for better support from city and county officials. Pierini emphasized the need for emergency funding for nonprofits, stating, “We cannot seamlessly cover the gap that SNAP leaves at their current levels of funding.”
With the community’s help, Operation Gobble Gobble aims to alleviate some of the hardships faced by families this holiday season. “People are really hurting, and they are really worried,” Pierini noted, stressing the importance of being there for the community.
The call to action is clear: attend Operation Gobble Gobble tomorrow to support a neighbor in need, and help ensure no family goes hungry this Thanksgiving.
