Boston city officials, alongside various community partners, distributed more than 3,200 turkeys and 35,000 pounds of food to residents in need ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Mayor Michelle Wu announced the initiative on November 20, 2023, highlighting the city’s commitment to supporting its community during challenging times.
During a press conference held at the Nuevo Dia adult day health center in Jamaica Plain, Wu expressed gratitude for the collaboration among city officials and community organizations. “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,” she stated. The mayor emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that many residents have stepped forward to help those less fortunate.
The turkey distribution was part of the city’s ongoing efforts to provide assistance to families during the holiday season. This year marked the third iteration of the program, which saw turkeys and bags of non-perishable food, including rice and canned goods, delivered to over 60 distribution sites. These locations included community organizations, churches, and facilities managed by the Boston Housing Authority.
Collaboration with Local Businesses
To facilitate the turkey and food sourcing, the city partnered with several businesses, including Stop and Shop, Amazon, and Goya Foods. Other notable partners included Roche Bros., Shaw’s, Star Market, and the Boston Legacy Football Club. Jennifer Epstein, controlling owner of the Boston Legacy Football Club, commented on the significance of the initiative, stating, “Ensuring that families have a warm meal on the table is something that matters to all of us.”
City officials have also made it clear that support will continue beyond Thanksgiving. Residents seeking assistance are encouraged to reach out by calling 311 or 617-635-4500. A multilingual resource page has been created, which outlines free events and food resources available across Boston leading up to the holiday. Residents can access this information at vitalcxns.org/food.
Ongoing Food Support Initiatives
In addition to the Thanksgiving distribution, the City of Boston offers various food programs aimed at supporting families throughout the year. The Office of Food Justice maintains a Food Resource page at boston.gov/food-resources, which includes information on after-school meals provided by Boston Centers for Youth & Families and the Double Up Food Bucks Program through local stores. The Age Strong Commission also offers resources, including meal delivery services for those unable to leave their homes.
Residents can contact Project Bread for additional support through their Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333, while the Greater Boston Food Bank provides a food pantry finder at gbfb.org/need-food.
As the holiday approaches, the efforts made by the city and its partners underscore a collective commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to essential resources, fostering a sense of community and support during this festive season.
