Boston Distributes 3,200 Turkeys for Thanksgiving, Urges Support

UPDATE: Boston city officials have just announced the distribution of over 3,200 Thanksgiving turkeys as part of a vital initiative aimed at supporting residents in need. The announcement was made this morning by Mayor Michelle Wu at the Nuevo Dia adult day health center in Jamaica Plain.

In a heartfelt statement, Mayor Wu emphasized the importance of community support during the holiday season, saying, “We’re so thankful to partner every single day to try to do whatever we can to take care of our community members.” The distribution, which includes 35,000 pounds of food, reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring that all families have access to a warm meal this Thanksgiving.

The city’s Community Engagement Cabinet and the Office of Cultural Affairs orchestrated a three-day event, collaborating with numerous partners such as Stop and Shop, Amazon, and Goya Foods to facilitate this large-scale food distribution. Over 60 sites across the city, including community organizations and churches, are participating in this effort to reach those who may struggle to provide for their families during the holidays.

Officials urge residents to utilize available resources as they navigate the holiday season. For assistance, residents can call 311 or 617-635-4500. A multilingual Thanksgiving resource page has also been launched at vitalcxns.org/food, detailing free events and food access points across Boston neighborhoods.

Jennifer Epstein, controlling owner of the Boston Legacy Football Club, joined the announcement, stating, “Ensuring that families have a warm meal on the table is something that matters to all of us.” She highlighted the club’s ongoing commitment to the community, noting their plans to make White Stadium their home in 2027.

As part of the broader initiative, Boston is also promoting a range of food assistance programs available throughout the city. The Office of Food Justice’s Food Resource page at boston.gov/food-resources lists options for free and discounted food, including after-school meals and meal delivery services for those unable to leave their homes.

Additionally, Project Bread offers a Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 for immediate assistance, while the Greater Boston Food Bank provides a pantry finder tool at gbfb.org/need-food. City officials underscore the importance of these resources, especially as many families face economic challenges.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Boston’s efforts to ensure no family goes without food are more crucial than ever. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the city’s ongoing support initiatives.