Center for Food Action in NJ hands out turkey dinners for Thanksgiving to low-income families
BERGEN COUNTY, New Jersey (WABC) -- The need this year is great, and the Center for Food Action has been handing out meals to 4,000 families each month as the economic crisis deepens pushing more people into food insecurity.
"It helps us, it helps us," said Ed Balingit, a turkey recipient. "Because we are a low-income family."
These Thanksgiving meals are helping people who are struggling with the high cost of housing, electric, and medical bills.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer joined volunteers handing out turkeys and says sticker shock at the grocery stores is forcing more people to need food assistance.
"The idea that we have to do this for people is a blessing, but it's also a shame that we have people who are in this place where they can't afford food in a great country," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer, (D) New Jersey. "You know, this place is amazing because it takes care of so many people and does it right."
The head of the center says many in need are still trying to recover from the pandemic and there is no relief in sight.
"People keep coming, they keep coming," said Nicole Davis, Executive Director, Center for Food Action. "And we are just grateful in this season of Thanksgiving that we have the ability to help them."
Everyone turning up for the food giveaway has signed up to receive the Thanksgiving meals.
The turkey with trimmings have been donated or purchased by generous supporters.
But as prices keep rising the need for food assistance will grow this holiday and throughout the year.
"It honestly brings the thankfulness into Thanksgiving and I've never been a big fan of it, but now I feel boosted, you know," said Eva Molina, a turkey recipient.
The Center for Food Action has several locations in Bergen County. They distributed some 3,500 meals for Thanksgiving.
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