MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Many families in the Mid-South are struggling to put food on the table ahead of the holidays. The Mid-South Food Bank said since the pandemic the need has increased 55% and it's not letting up.
Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, the food bank wants to ensure families in need can still provide a traditional holiday meal to be proud of.
That's why they're raising money for this year's 'Turkey Drive'. This year efforts by the Mid-South Food Bank have gone virtual to raise money for the turkeys rather than having in-person food and donation drives.
“I think this is really just a way to allow those families that maybe couldn’t afford to put a Thanksgiving meal together," Cathy Pope, Mid-South Food Bank President and CEO, said. "Let’s give them that one opportunity to all sit around the table together and give thanks for what we do have.”
The holiday season is traditionally the busiest time for the food bank, the need will only be greater this year due to the pandemic, Pope said.
A $10 donation will provide a family with a turkey. A $25 donation will provide a family of four a turkey and all of the sides to complete the Thanksgiving meal.
“My thoughts are if you are not one of the ones struggling, if you can put food on your table and you can pay your bills and you kept your job, give that some thought of how much you are able to give back to the community," she said.
Health experts are encouraging extended families not to gather for the holidays this year and for that reason the food bank was able to order smaller turkeys to give to families. They hope that will allow them to spread the love to more households this year,
To donate, click here.
To find a mobile food pantry location near you, click here.
