Turkey Trot: 2,500 Families Served with Gratitude in San Joaquin County

Thanksgiving came early for nearly 2,500 families in San Joaquin County, where the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin County hosted a heartwarming meal giveaway. The event saw volunteers rally together to distribute much-needed boxes filled with turkey and all the trimmings, ensuring many families could enjoy a festive holiday meal despite the rising costs and challenges of recent weeks.

The lines of cars wrapped around the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, as families began arriving the day before to secure their Thanksgiving feast. With a staggering 35% increase in demand for food assistance, many of the faces in line were not just those you might expect—working individuals are also struggling to make ends meet. This was a touching reminder of how vital community support is during the holidays.

Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, one of the volunteers on hand, articulated the mission of the giveaway. She noted how important it is to help families close the gap on their food needs, highlighting that not everyone who seeks assistance is unemployed; many people work hard but still find it difficult to provide for their families. This annual tradition, which has been running for nearly three decades, was especially poignant this year. In times like these, every little bit counts, and together, communities can turn Thanksgiving into a celebration of gratitude and generosity. It’s a little uplifting reminder—good food is better when shared!