San Antonio Nonprofits Distribute Turkeys Amid Rising Food Insecurity

Across San Antonio, several nonprofits and organizations responded to rising food insecurity by distributing turkeys to families in need ahead of Thanksgiving. On Saturday, hundreds lined up for assistance, reflecting a growing demand for food support in the community.

At the Greater Love Baptist Church, many families gathered to receive holiday meals. Among them was Andrew Perales, who expressed gratitude for the effort. “It’s nice to see that the community comes out to help each other out in times where things are gonna be a little bit rough,” he said. This year, the line for turkeys stretched nearly a mile, according to Reverend James Robinson, who has organized these distributions for over 22 years.

Further demonstrating the community’s challenges, the Bexar County Health Department set up a distribution point at Covington Park, where they provided turkeys primarily to grandparents raising grandchildren. Mary Mendez, a grandmother who has cared for her granddaughter since she was eight months old, noted the increasing need for assistance during holidays. “There’s a lot of people in need in times of holidays,” she stated.

The situation has prompted local officials to take notice. Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai commented on the pressing issues surrounding food insecurity, saying, “It is a real problem, it is a problem right now.”

As the holiday season approaches, numerous organizations are stepping up to provide free turkeys to families struggling to make ends meet. For those seeking assistance, a comprehensive list of distribution points is available online.

In addition to these efforts, local initiatives have emerged to address food insecurity in innovative ways. A recent report highlighted how a San Antonio family is turning tragedy into charity by organizing turkey giveaways in honor of loved ones lost to violence. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Food Bank continues to seek donations to ensure they can meet the heightened demand this Thanksgiving.

As communities come together to support one another, the focus remains on addressing the needs of families facing financial hardship during this critical time of year.