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The latest news and announcements from Mayor London N. Breed

Mayor Lee & Community Partners Expand 10th Annual Turkey Giveaway to Serve Families Citywide

Mayor Edwin M. Lee joined the A. Philip Randolph Institute San Francisco, San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco Housing Authority and community partners today to distribute 2,500 frozen turkeys citywide to families in need. This is the 10th annual turkey and food basket giveaway, but the first time that all family housing developments will receive turkeys in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The opportunity to reach every housing development in the city was made possible due to the donation of one thousand additional turkeys made through Mayor Lee and the City of San Francisco.

“One thousand additional turkeys mean more families will gather around the table this Thanksgiving holiday with something to be thankful for,” said Mayor Lee. “The holiday season is an important time for all of us, as San Franciscans, to reaffirm our values and come together to help and support our neighbors in need.”

"All of us with the San Francisco Police Department are pleased to help so many families enjoy Thanksgiving this year,” said Acting Police Chief Toney Chaplin. “In our vibrant, diverse city, the holiday season highlights our shared values, goals and ideals.  We want the public to know that we are proud to serve our communities, and will continue to work closely with community members as we head into the New Year."

“For the first time in the Authority’s history, all family housing developments across the city will receive turkeys for Thanksgiving,” said SFHA Commissioner Leroy Lindo. “The distribution of over 50,000 lbs. of turkey would not be possible without precision coordination by APRI, the Mayor’s Office and the SFPD, who have always been willing  to work closely with the SFHA and the numerous service connectors, nonprofit organizations, and resident leaders, that have long standing relationships in the community and tremendous rapport with us.”

In San Francisco, more than 150,000 people live at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and are in need of food. This year, the San Francisco Food Bank is on track to distribute 45 million pounds of food to meet an ever-growing need in low-income communities. As unemployment continues to affect low-income communities the need is especially high during the holiday season. APRI sponsored by PG&E, and citywide community partners will once again work together to help fill the need.

In addition to 2,500 turkeys, approximately 500 dinner baskets, that feed a family of 4, will also be distributed to the families citywide. Each dinner basket includes a 10-12 pound frozen turkey, fresh bread, box stuffing, two cans each of corn and string beans, fresh organic yams, and one can of cranberry sauce.