Operation Turkey, an organization that has been providing Thanksgiving meals to low-income individuals since 2000, experienced an overwhelming demand this year. Executive Director Brian Tolbert shared that while they typically distribute 10,000 meals in the Austin area, they ended up delivering 15,000 meals this Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, the organization ran out of food due to the high number of meal requests.
This surge in demand for Thanksgiving meals coincides with the ongoing inflation that is affecting families across America. The American Farm Bureau Federation reported that the cost of cooking and serving a Thanksgiving meal is 19% higher in 2024 compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a slight decrease in prices in recent years.
Tolbert emphasized the importance of organizations like Operation Turkey in providing meals to those in need, highlighting that many people in the city struggle to put food on the table. He mentioned that for some individuals, receiving meals from organizations like theirs is the only way they can have a decent meal.
Typically, Operation Turkey wraps up its operations by 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. However, this year, they were still distributing meals until 1:00 p.m. and were unable to deliver 1,000 meals due to the overwhelming demand. Although Thanksgiving 2024 has passed, the organization remains committed to fulfilling their promise of delivering those final 1,000 meals. They are seeking resources and funding to make this possible.
If you are interested in supporting Operation Turkey’s efforts to provide meals to those in need, you can donate through their website. Your contribution can help ensure that no one goes hungry, especially during the holiday season. Remember, a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life. Let’s come together to support our community and spread the spirit of giving this Thanksgiving and beyond.
