Sharing the Feast: Jennie-O Donates 15,000 Turkeys to Fight Hunger in New York City
This Thanksgiving, families across New York City will have an extra reason to be grateful.
Thanks to a generous donation from Jennie-O Turkey Store, in partnership with NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” 15,000 turkeys are headed straight to the kitchens of those in need.
Nine semi-truck trailers – brimming with Thanksgiving cheer – delivered the bounty to the Food Bank for New York City, helping to feed thousands of families struggling with food insecurity in the nation’s largest city.
“This special time of year is about giving to others and showing gratitude, and we have a long-standing tradition of working with organizations throughout the country to provide turkeys to those in need,” said Jeff Baker, the Group Vice President of Hormel Foods Retail Marketing, which owns Jennie-O. “We hope to make this Thanksgiving a momentous holiday for tens of thousands of families by helping them share a meal with the ones they love.”
The Food Bank for New York City, a dedicated organization combatting hunger in the metropolis, partners with a vast network of pantries, soup kitchens, and community providers. The donation comes at a critical time, as the organization estimates that 1.3 million New Yorkers, including one in four children, lack access to adequate food.
“At a time when 1.3 million New Yorkers are facing food insecurity, including one in four children, this tremendous donation of 15,000 turkeys will help thousands of our neighbors celebrate the holidays with the dignity they deserve,” said Leslie Gordon, President and CEO of Food Bank For New York City.
Jennie-O’s commitment to fighting hunger extends beyond New York City. The company is also donating an additional 15,000 turkeys across the country this holiday season. This includes a 2,000-turkey donation event in the Twin Cities and a "Hometown Turkey Takeover" in Austin, Minnesota, where a further 3,500 turkeys will be distributed.
Jennie-O Turkey Store is a subsidiary of Hormel Foods, a globally recognized food company based in Austin, Minnesota. You can learn more about Jennie-O’s efforts at https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/our-family/jennie-o-turkey-store/.
This Thanksgiving, remember that the true spirit of the holiday lies in sharing what we have with those in need.
## 15,000 Turkeys Delivered: Jennie-O Tacktles Food Insecurity in New York City This Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, as families across the nation gather around overflowing tables, thousands in New York City will experience a special sense of gratitude thanks to a remarkable act of generosity. Jennie-O Turkey store, in partnership with NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” has donated a staggering 15,000 turkeys to the food Bank for New York City, bringing holiday cheer to families facing food insecurity.
To delve deeper into the impact of this donation and the broader issue of hunger in urban environments, we spoke with two experts: **Jeff Baker**, Group Vice President of Hormel Foods Retail Marketing, the parent company of Jennie-O, and **Leslie Gordon**, President and CEO of Food Bank For New York City. Their insights shed light on the collaboration, the critical need it addresses, and the wider commitment to combating hunger.
### A Season of Sharing: The Genesis of the Donation
**World Today News:** Mr. Baker, what prompted Jennie-O to undertake this substantial donation to the Food Bank?
**Jeff Baker:** At Jennie-O, we believe in the power of sharing and giving back, especially during the holidays. We have a long-standing tradition of partnering with organizations like the Food Bank to ensure everyone has access to a Thanksgiving meal.
This year, the partnership with “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” amplified our impact, allowing us to reach even more families in need.
### Feeding a city: The impact on New York
**World Today News:** Ms. Gordon,how will this donation of 15,000 turkeys directly impact the Food Bank’s efforts in new York City?
**Leslie Gordon:** The timing couldn’t be better. Here in New York City, 1.3 million individuals face food insecurity,including a staggering one in four children.This generous donation from Jennie-O will directly provide thousands of families with a centerpiece for their Thanksgiving dinners.
“This tremendous donation of 15,000 turkeys will help thousands of our neighbors celebrate the holidays with the dignity they deserve,” says Gordon.
It ensures that they can partake in the traditions and joy of the holiday without the added worry of where their next meal will come from.
### Beyond Thanksgiving: Jennie-O’s Commitment
**World Today News:** Mr. Baker, is this a one-time effort, or does Jennie-O have a broader commitment to fighting hunger?
**Jeff Baker:** This donation is part of a larger initiative. Our commitment extends throughout the year. We are also distributing 15,000 turkeys across the country, supporting local communities with initiatives like the “Hometown Turkey Takeover” in our headquarters city of Austin, Minnesota.
### A Call to Action: What Can Readers Do?
**World Today News:** what message do you both want to leave our readers with this Thanksgiving?
**Leslie Gordon:** The holidays are a time to reflect on our blessings and extend a helping hand to those less fortunate. Even small acts of kindness can make a difference. Consider donating to yoru local food bank or volunteering your time.
**Jeff Baker:** We encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of sharing this Thanksgiving. Whether it’s donating food, volunteering, or simply spreading kindness, we can all contribute to making this a season of abundance for everyone.
This Thanksgiving,let the story of Jennie-O’s generous donation inspire us all to make a difference in our communities.
**For more information on how to support hunger relief efforts, visit the Food bank for New York City website:** [https://www.foodbanknyc.org/](https://www.foodbanknyc.org/).
**Related Articles:**
* [Fighting Hunger in America: A Closer Look at Food Insecurity]
* [The Power of Community: Local Organizations Making a Difference]
