Boston city officials announced the distribution of over 3,200 Thanksgiving turkeys and more than 35,000 pounds of food to residents in need as part of a community support initiative ahead of the holiday. Mayor Michelle Wu made the announcement on November 20, 2023, emphasizing the importance of providing meals to families during challenging times.
The distribution event took place at the Nuevo Dia adult day health center in Jamaica Plain, marking the third year of this initiative. The city’s Community Engagement Cabinet and the Office of Cultural Affairs coordinated the three-day event, which saw turkeys and various food items, including rice, canned corn, and pasta, delivered to over 60 distribution sites. These sites included community organizations, churches, and facilities managed by the Boston Housing Authority.
In collaboration with local businesses, the city secured donations from prominent partners such as Stop and Shop, Amazon, Roche Bros., and Goya Foods. Mayor Wu expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement, stating, “We’re so thankful to partner every single day to try to do whatever we can to take care of our community members and meet the needs of our residents, but especially around the holidays.”
Community Commitment and Resources
City officials highlighted the collective effort of various stakeholders in making the event a success. Jennifer Epstein, controlling owner of the Boston Legacy Football Club, remarked on the significance of ensuring that families have access to warm meals during the holiday season. “Our presence in the community isn’t seasonal. It reflects our long-term commitment to the neighborhoods around Franklin Park and the families in this area who make it so special,” she stated.
The city also encouraged residents to access ongoing support resources. For those seeking assistance, officials directed them to call 311 or 617-635-4500 for more information. A multilingual Thanksgiving resource page has been established at vitalcxns.org/food, outlining free events occurring across Boston neighborhoods leading up to the holiday.
In addition to the turkey distribution, the City of Boston has made available various food programs. These include after-school meals through the Boston Centers for Youth & Families, the Double Up Food Bucks Program available at neighborhood stores, and meal delivery options for individuals unable to leave their homes.
The Office of Food Justice maintains a comprehensive Food Resource page on the city’s website at boston.gov/food-resources, providing details about accessible sources of free and discounted food.
Support Networks and Additional Resources
For those in immediate need of food assistance, resources such as Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline can be reached via call or text at 1-800-645-8333. Furthermore, the Greater Boston Food Bank offers a food pantry finder at gbfb.org/need-food.
The city’s initiative underlines a strong commitment to community welfare, particularly during the holiday season when many families face increased challenges. By providing essential food resources, Boston officials aim to foster a sense of security and support among residents.
As the holiday approaches, the collaborative efforts of the city, local businesses, and community organizations reflect a united front in addressing food insecurity and ensuring that every family has the opportunity to enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal.
