(Seguin) — For families who have come to count on a Thanksgiving turkey through the Christian Cupboard, this year may look a little different. The local food pantry is warning clients that it will not be providing turkeys for Thanksgiving this year, leaving families to make other plans for their holiday meal.
In previous years, the Christian Cupboard has been able to help families put a turkey on the table, either through donated frozen turkeys or gift cards. But again, that assistance will not be available this year.
Regina Lee, director of the Christian Cupboard, says families should begin planning now and look for grocery store holiday meal deals or other community food distributions for turkeys.
Lee says the non-profit group continues to face significant demand for food assistance. She says the Christian Cupboard is currently serving at least 850 households each month.
Lee says the Christian Cupboard spends approximately $24,498 each month on food.
She says many of the families seeking assistance are working households that earn just enough to fall outside the eligibility requirements for SNAP benefits but still struggle to make ends meet.
“People don’t come to us because they want to. People come just because they have to,” said Lee. “And I’m talking about households with children in it, and I’m talking about maybe the elderly, because medicine is expensive.”
Without the ability to provide Thanksgiving turkeys, Lee hopes families will understand the situation and begin looking at other options.
The Christian Cupboard does have freezer capacity to accept donated turkeys should the community want to donate.
Community members who cannot donate a turkey can still help by providing other traditional holiday foods, including stuffing, mashed potatoes, canned corn, green beans, rolls, cranberry sauce and other holiday food items.
“Anything is helpful,” said Lee.
Donations can be made to the Christian Cupboard 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A donation drop-off box is located on the north side of the building for community members who wish to leave food outside regular operating hours. Those planning a large donation can call the Christian Cupboard to make arrangements.
The Christian Cupboard is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and on the first and third Saturdays of the month.