UPDATE: Operation Gobble Gobble 2025 is set to provide crucial Thanksgiving meals to families in need this Saturday, November 25, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Solano County Fairgrounds. Hosted by Food is Free Bay Area and Assemblymember Lori Wilson, the event will distribute 2,500 turkeys along with 2,500 boxes of essential holiday foods in a drive-through format while supplies last.
Volunteers have been hard at work, constructing and packing the food boxes in preparation for the event. Each box will contain Thanksgiving staples, including stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, and fresh vegetables. Heather Pierini, Executive Director of Food is Free, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “We want to ensure that families have the resources they need during this holiday season.”
To participate in the distribution, residents should approach the fairgrounds via the Redwood Avenue exit and proceed along Fairgrounds Drive through the main gates. Pierini advises attendees to “bring your patience” as high turnout is expected, and there will likely be long lines.
This initiative marks the fourth year that Assemblymember Wilson has sponsored Operation Gobble Gobble. Pierini noted that even amid challenges—such as last year’s avian flu impacting turkey supply—the event has successfully provided meals to thousands of families.
The need for assistance has surged recently. During the recent government shutdown, Food is Free experienced an alarming increase in demand, serving up to 673 families in a single day. Even post-shutdown, the numbers remain high, with about 668 families still accessing food services each week.
“This situation is concerning; people are really hurting,” Pierini stated. She explained that her organization, while committed to supporting the community, cannot fully replace government programs like SNAP, which are critical for food security. “We are a nonprofit organization operating on a shoestring budget, and we need adequate funding to respond effectively to community needs.”
Local discussions are underway regarding emergency funding for nonprofits, and Pierini has expressed hope for collaborative efforts with local officials to better support families in need. “We all live here, we all work here, and we want to make a better community for everyone,” she said.
As the event approaches, the community is encouraged to come out and receive support while connecting with local organizations dedicated to helping those in need. With a strong emphasis on community and compassion, Operation Gobble Gobble stands as a beacon of hope this holiday season.
Expect to see a bustling fairgrounds filled with volunteers and families seeking support this Saturday, as Operation Gobble Gobble aims to bring smiles and sustenance to many across the region.
