San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed today announced the kickoff of the 2021 Turkey Giveaway. This year marks the 15^th year of the giveaway, with more than 5,500 turkeys being distributed to more than 85 sites across the City.

“With one in four San Franciscans at risk of food insecurity, we know that our communities greatly depend on programs like this to help make ends meet, especially during the holiday season,” said Mayor Breed. “I am grateful to all of the City Departments and community partners that work hard to help all San Franciscans, especially our families, seniors, and vulnerable communities, put food on the table and, more importantly, find hope and joy during the holidays.”

Every year, the Mayor’s Office works with the San Francisco Housing Authority and the
San Francisco Human Services Agency—which oversees the City’s food security programs—to distribute thousands of turkeys to various sites, with a focus on families and individuals in underserved communities. In addition, the Housing Authority provides hundreds of food baskets with dry goods for holiday meals to families and individuals living in various housing sites.

“The Mayor’s turkey giveaway continues the important tradition of helping our communities most in need to not only find relief from hunger, but also to share the joy and gratitude of the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Trent Rhorer, Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA). “Unfortunately, families continue to have to choose between putting food on the table or paying rent. Hunger will continue beyond the holiday season, and we are proud to lead the City’s efforts to support access to nutritious, affordable food for families and individuals across our City.”

“Food security is vital to the dignity and prosperity of our community, and the past two years of the pandemic have only increased the need to support our community members’ access to quality, nutritious food,” said Tonia Lediju, Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco. “This program not only provides families with food during the holiday season, but it reflects our continued commitment to meeting the essential needs of our neighbors while uplifting our communities and serving others with compassion and without judgement—values that are deeply woven into the fabric of our City.”

The City partners with the A. Philip Randolph Institute of San Francisco (APRI SF) to procure and distribute the turkeys. Last year, to continue the giveaway during COVID-19, APRI SF worked with City Departments to coordinate door-to-door drop-offs for the turkeys, and will continue to do so this year in addition to smaller distribution events, like the one today at Bernal Dwellings Apartments.

“We are honored to continue this incredible tradition with the City—a tradition that reminds us all of what we are thankful for, and spreads compassion and hope throughout our community,” said Jacqueline Flin, Executive Director of APRI SF. “When we give of ourselves and demonstrate that compassion through our actions, not just by our words, we can truly make a difference in the lives of countless San Franciscans.”

Other City Departments that assist in the turkey giveaway each year are the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, Recreation and Parks Department, the Police Department, the Sheriff’s Department, and San Francisco Public Works. Additionally, organizations that donated turkeys in-kind this year include Foster Farms, Whole Foods and the California Poultry Association.

“At Foster Farms, we remain dedicated to fighting hunger in our local communities. We believe that everyone should be able to participate in Thanksgiving, and are reminded that the need is greater than ever. We are proud to continue our tradition of donating Thanksgiving turkeys to Mayor Breed’s annual turkey giveaway as well as to food banks serving our neighbors in San Francisco,” said Ira Brill, vice president of communications for Foster Farms. “We hope that others will join us in supporting local organizations addressing food insecurity.”

###