URGENT UPDATE: Operation Gobble Gobble is set to feed 5,000 families in need this Saturday, November 25, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Solano County Fairgrounds. This vital event, hosted by Food is Free Bay Area and Assemblymember Lori Wilson, will distribute 2,500 turkeys and 2,500 boxes of essential Thanksgiving foods to local families in a drive-through format, while supplies last.
The community is encouraged to arrive early, as the event is expected to draw large crowds. Attendees should use the Redwood Avenue exit and follow Fairgrounds Drive through the main gates. “Bring your patience,” said Heather Pierini, Executive Director of Food is Free. “It will be very busy, there will be a line.”
On Wednesday evening, volunteers assembled 2,500 cardboard boxes, filling them with Thanksgiving staples like stuffing, corn, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. “We have a lot going on, a lot of moving pieces and organizations from the community coming out to help,” Pierini stated, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives this initiative.
Food is Free purchased all 2,500 turkeys from Smart and Final’s nonprofit arm, ensuring that families will receive quality food. The event has been a staple in the community for four years, with Wilson’s support helping to provide turkeys in three out of the last four years.
Pierini emphasized the rising need for food assistance in the area, noting 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 we served during the shutdown was 673 families.”
Despite the end of the shutdown, demand remains high. Just this week, Food is Free reported serving 668 families, which is about 150 percent of the standard demand. “People are really hurting and worried,” Pierini added. “We just want to make sure that we are here for the community right now.”
As the organization continues to respond to the growing crisis, Pierini called for better funding for nonprofits to meet the demands placed on them. “We cannot replace programs like SNAP,” she stated, urging local leaders to provide emergency funding to support community efforts.
This year’s Operation Gobble Gobble is not just about food distribution; it’s a reflection of the community’s commitment to support its most vulnerable members. “I want to work with our elected officials to really get what we need for our community,” Pierini stated, highlighting the importance of collaboration to create a better environment for all.
Residents are reminded that the event will primarily operate as a drive-through, but those attending on foot or by bus will also be accommodated. The urgency of this initiative is clear, as families prepare for the holiday season with the support of their community.
Be sure to share this important event to help spread the word and ensure that no family goes hungry this Thanksgiving.
