UPDATE: Boston city officials have just announced the distribution of 3,200 Thanksgiving turkeys and over 35,000 pounds of food to residents in need, ahead of the holiday season. Mayor Michelle Wu revealed these urgent efforts during a press conference at the Nuevo Dia adult day health center in Jamaica Plain this morning.
“We’re so thankful to partner every single day to do whatever we can to take care of our community members,” Wu stated. This initiative is part of a three-day distribution program aimed at easing the burden on Boston families as they prepare for Thanksgiving.
The city’s Community Engagement Cabinet and the Office of Cultural Affairs coordinated this year’s efforts, marking the third year of this essential program. Turkeys and bags filled with non-perishable items such as rice and canned goods were provided at over 60 distribution sites, including community organizations and churches across Boston.
Key partners in this initiative include major retailers such as Stop and Shop, Amazon, Roche Bros., Shaw’s, and Star Market. Local sports teams, like the Boston Red Sox and TD Garden, also contributed, highlighting a community-wide effort to support those facing food insecurity.
Jennifer Epstein, controlling owner of the Boston Legacy Football Club, emphasized the importance of providing families with warm meals, stating, “The work being done here today reflects the best of our city.” The Legacy Football Club is committed to enhancing community ties, especially as they prepare to establish their home at White Stadium in 2027.
City officials are urging residents who need assistance to call 311 or 617-635-4500 for information on available resources. A multilingual Thanksgiving resource page, accessible at vitalcxns.org/food, lists free events leading up to the holiday and provides additional food support options.
Residents can also find accessible sources of free and discounted food through the Office of Food Justice at boston.gov/food-resources. The city offers programs like after-school meals through the Boston Centers for Youth & Families and meal delivery services for those unable to leave their homes.
For immediate food assistance, Project Bread offers a Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333, while the Greater Boston Food Bank provides a food pantry finder at gbfb.org/need-food.
Boston’s commitment to ensuring every family has access to a Thanksgiving meal is evident in this urgent initiative. As the holiday approaches, residents are reminded that help is available, and community support is stronger than ever.
