URGENT UPDATE: Operation Gobble Gobble 2025 is set to provide Thanksgiving meals to thousands of families in need this Saturday, November 25, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Solano County Fairgrounds. Hosted by Food is Free Bay Area and Assemblymember Lori Wilson, the event will distribute 2,500 turkeys and 2,500 boxes of essential Thanksgiving foods in a drive-through style as supplies last.
Volunteers are already hard at work preparing for the influx of attendees. On Wednesday, over 100 volunteers packed 2,500 cardboard boxes filled with Thanksgiving staples including stuffing, gravy, corn, and fresh vegetables. Heather Pierini, Executive Director of Food is Free, emphasized the importance of community involvement: “We have a lot going on, a lot of moving pieces and a lot of organizations from the community coming out to help.”
Residents planning to attend are advised to enter through the Redwood Avenue exit and drive up Fairgrounds Drive to the main gates. “Bring your patience,” Pierini cautioned, as long lines are expected. The event is primarily a drive-through, but those arriving on foot or by bus will be accommodated.
This marks the fourth year that Wilson has sponsored this crucial event, which has consistently provided thousands of families with holiday food. “We have been able to help thousands of families with holiday food through the help of Lori Wilson,” Pierini stated, reflecting on the success of previous distributions.
The need for support is urgent. During the recent government shutdown, attendance at regular food distributions surged, with numbers skyrocketing from approximately 400-450 families to a staggering 673 families in a single day. Even after the shutdown ended, the demand remains high, with about 668 families continuing to seek assistance.
Pierini highlighted the ongoing struggle many families face, saying, “People are really hurting, and they are really worried.” As a nonprofit operating on a tight budget, Food is Free relies on small grants and volunteer efforts to meet the community’s needs. “We cannot replace the job of a government,” she said, calling for better funding and support for nonprofits tasked with filling the gaps.
As the event approaches, Pierini urges local leaders to take action. “If we are asking our nonprofits to do this work, they have to be funded for emergency work,” she asserted, stressing the importance of sustainable support for organizations that serve the community.
As Operation Gobble Gobble 2025 unfolds this Saturday, the impact will be felt across Solano County, providing hope and nourishment to families during this critical holiday season. Stay tuned for updates on the event and the ongoing efforts of Food is Free Bay Area.
