DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — We are about two weeks away from Thanksgiving, a time that often brings food and family together, but the holiday season can also put a financial strain on many.
That’s why The GIANT Company is donating 5,000 turkeys to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank ahead of the holidays to ensure local families still get to enjoy holiday meals.
“The holidays are all about connecting around food and that hot, holiday meal. And the reality is a lot of folks can’t accomplish that,” said Brian Lorenz of The GIANT Company.
“We’re actually in a hunger crisis right now so demand for food assistance is as high as it’s ever been, higher than in the pandemic believe it or not. So, a lot of families are struggling. We want everyone to have great holiday meals and being able to afford that is tough these days,” said Joe Arthur, CEO of Central PA Food Bank.
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s partner organizations will be receiving these turkeys to then disperse to families in need.
Right now, GIANT Choice Rewards members who have earned 400 CHOICE points can redeem a free turkey, but shoppers can also donate their free turkey but “not everyone utilizes that certificate. We actually give the customers an opportunity to donate that turkey back to the food banks,” said Lorenz.
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is currently seeking financial donations from the community.
Although the food bank is stacked on volunteers for the holiday season, they’re looking for volunteers beginning in January 2025.