TREASURE COAST – Succulent roasted turkey, scrumptious green bean casseroles, baked potatoes, and of course, delectable fruit pies – it’s a Thanksgiving feast that some families only can dream about.
Treasure Coast Food Bank’s annual Great Treasure Coast Holiday Food and Fund Drive begins this month with the goal of ensuring that all families enjoy a traditional holiday meal as well as worry-free dinners throughout the season. The community can help feed local families who may struggle this holiday season.
“After a rough hurricane season that impacted so many peoples’ budgets, we anticipate seeing additional requests for help with holiday meals,” said Judith Cruz, President and CEO of Treasure Coast Food Bank. “We and our charitable partners work hard to ensure that everyone has not only a wonderful holiday meal but nutritious meals throughout the season.”
In addition to holiday food such as canned yams, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, Treasure Coast Food Bank always needs pantry staples. High demand items include peanut butter, pasta, low-sodium canned vegetables, shelf-stable milk, canned tuna or chicken, beans, low-sodium soup, and low-sugar cereals.
The community can get involved in several ways. Organize a food drive in your neighborhood or office, participate in a virtual food drive with a cash donation, or plan to donate a turkey during Treasure Coast Food Bank’s annual Turkey Drop on Nov. 11 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
“Having a Thanksgiving turkey is such an American tradition that we try to supply as many as we can to our partners and families in need, even though it’s not an item we normally provide,” Cruz said. “People can rest assured that their donations will feed their neighbors right here on the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee.”
On Turkey Drop Saturday, Treasure Coast Food Bank staff will have refrigerated trucks at several drop-off locations throughout the Treasure Coast where people can donate an uncooked, frozen turkey:
Publix Supermarkets – 1255 US Hwy 1, Vero Beach
Winn Dixie – 995 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian
Archie’s Seabreeze – 401 Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce
Perkins Restaurant – 9202 South Federal Highway, Port St. Lucie
Publix Supermarkets, Tradition – 10400 SW Village Center Drive, Port St. Lucie
Publix Supermarkets, Taylor Creek – 1851 N US Hwy 1, Fort Pierce
Treasure Coast Harley Davidson – 4967 SE US Highway 1, Stuart
Publix Supermarkets – 1501 NW Federal Highway, Stuart
Treasure Coast Food Bank is seeking volunteers to help on Turkey Drop Saturday. For more information about volunteering, hosting a food drive, or making a donation, visit the Ways to Help tab at stophunger.org.