Vehicles began lining up along Page Avenue before dawn, awaiting a Thanksgiving turkey and sides thanks to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Schnucks Markets.
The partners hosted the annual Urban League Headquarters Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from noon to 3 p.m., meaning some recipients waited more than six hours to receive the valued holiday meal food.
Calling it a “cherished community tradition,” Michael P. McMillan, Urban League president and CEO, said 700 families will be provided with turkeys for Thanksgiving.
“This event is a true testament to the power of partnership and community,” said McMillan, President and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
“We are deeply grateful to Schnucks Markets for their continued generosity and commitment to supporting families in need. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors, ensuring they have a reason to celebrate this Thanksgiving.”
The Urban League anticipated a strong turnout, with vehicles lining up hours before the event began. Hundreds of volunteers were on hand to keep the turkey giveaway running smoothly.
While turkey giveaways are an annual tradition in the St. Louis area, including the Metro East, 1 in seven area residents finds themselves short on food at times or in a predicament where they must choose between paying bills and eating.
According to the St. Louis Area Foodbank:
40% of those served have to choose between paying for food or medical care.
- 53% have to make a choice to feed their family or pay their utility bills.
- 39% make the difficult decision between putting fuel in their cars to get to work and putting food on the table.
- 18% of the people we serve are veterans. These individuals sacrificed so much and now struggle to ensure their own needs are met.
- 42% of those we serve have to choose between paying for food or housing.
- 1 in 7 people in the bi-state region need food assistance.
- 1 in 5 children in the bi-state region need food assistance.
