Talking Turkey

The holidays bring together images of families gathered around the table with an abundance of food savoring family recipes that have been passed down for generations. But for more than 300,000 people living in the Food Bank’s 11-county service area, the holidays can be a source of added stress when trying to bring those warm images to life.  

The Food Bank’s goal throughout the year is to fill the gap in providing food when other resources fall short. Through various programs, we distributed 53 million meals in our last fiscal year. But during the holidays, we provide something extra to help families have the holiday meal they envision. 

The KDKA Turkey Fund started in 1982 when steel mills were closing in the Pittsburgh region, and a compassionate viewer sent $10 to KDKA-TV News commentator Al Julius to buy food for neighbors in need at the holidays. In its first year, what began as Julius’ Turkeys raised $90,000. In its 43-year history, the KD Turkey Fund has raised more than $21 million!  

Providing a holiday meal for our neighbors does not happen without the community’s support. Since 2009, PNC has provided a donation to match any gift of $50 or more that is dropped off at a PNC Branch. This year, PNC will match donations up to $75,000. For the second year, Pennsylvania American Water is providing a $20,000 donation to support the KD Turkey Fund. But most of the donations are gifts of $100 or less from people who feel fortunate to have the resources to help others during a difficult time. In addition to dropping off donations at a PNC Branch, donations can be made at pittsburghfoodbank.org/turkey or by texting “kdturkey” to 50155. This year’s goal is to raise $800,000 which will provide more than 30,000 families with a turkey this holiday season.   

In addition to the KD Turkey Fund, the Food Bank organizes the distribution of frozen turkeys through The Market, our onsite food pantry and at select distributions in our 11-county service area. Companies sponsor these events and provide up to 20 volunteers for an outstanding team building experience during the holiday season. Neighbors are thrilled to receive the turkey when they arrive at a distribution or when picking up food at The Market during one of these sponsored events. One volunteer shared that when she was helping someone in The Market last year, the older woman cried tears of appreciation and said, “Now I will be able to have a turkey for my family this Thanksgiving.”  Turkey Distributions are being scheduled now for Novembre and Décembre. Gather your colleagues, volunteer and spread holiday cheer! Holiday Meal Info

Although the work of the Food Bank is to provide our neighbors with the food they need to thrive throughout the year, we too embrace the holidays and want to be sure everyone can gather around the table and build lasting memories.  

To make a corporate donation to the KD Turkey Fund or to schedule a Turkey Distribution at The Market or one of our offsite Drive-up Distributions, please contact Jennifer Zgurich at 412-745-6453 or at [email protected].