Boston city officials launched a significant initiative to support residents in need by distributing over 3,200 turkeys and more than 35,000 pounds of food in the lead-up to Thanksgiving. Mayor Michelle Wu announced this effort on Monday, emphasizing the city’s commitment to assisting community members during the holiday season.
“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,” Wu stated. She noted that the challenges many face have prompted a greater response from the community, with more individuals stepping forward to offer help.
Community Engagement and Support
The city’s Community Engagement Cabinet and the Office of Cultural Affairs coordinated this three-day distribution event, which took place at the Nuevo Dia adult day health center in Jamaica Plain. In its third year, the program successfully delivered turkeys and bags of essential food items, including rice, canned corn, pasta, and other non-perishable goods, to over 60 distribution sites. These sites included community organizations, churches, and facilities managed by the Boston Housing Authority.
To facilitate this distribution, the city partnered with notable organizations such as Stop and Shop, Amazon, Roche Bros., Shaw’s, and Star Market. Other contributors included the Boston Red Sox, TD Garden, Boston Legacy Football Club, Commonwealth Kitchen, and various local unions.
Jennifer Epstein, controlling owner of the Boston Legacy Football Club, was present at the announcement, emphasizing the importance of providing families with warm meals during the holidays. “Ensuring that families have a warm meal on the table is something that matters to all of us,” Epstein said. “The work being done here today reflects the best of our city.”
Resources for Residents
In addition to the turkey distribution, city officials encouraged residents to explore ongoing resources available throughout the holiday season and beyond. Those seeking assistance can call 311 or 617-635-4500 for more information. A multilingual Thanksgiving resource page is accessible at vitalcxns.org/food, detailing free events in Boston neighborhoods leading up to the holiday.
The City of Boston also maintains a Food Resource page at boston.gov/food-resources, which lists accessible sources of free and discounted food. Various programs, including after-school meals provided by the Boston Centers for Youth & Families and the Double Up Food Bucks Program, are highlighted among the available resources.
For additional support, Project Bread offers a Food Source Hotline accessible via call or text at 1-800-645-8333. The Greater Boston Food Bank also provides a food pantry finder at gbfb.org/need-food, ensuring that residents have multiple avenues to access essential food supplies.
The collaborative effort reflects Boston’s commitment to community welfare, particularly during a time when many families face economic challenges. As the holiday approaches, city officials and community members continue to demonstrate their dedication to supporting one another.
