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Thousands of residents in South Phoenix received free Thanksgiving turkeys at an event sponsored by Prensa Arizona at Barrios Unidos Park, an area with a high rate of food insecurity. The event has been held for three years and distributed 3,000 turkeys in 2022. The Arizona Food Bank Network reports that 751,690 people, including 226,080 children, suffer from food insecurity in Arizona, and Roberto Del Real, the Director of Community Services for Chicanos Por La Causa, states that the demand for food has doubled in the last year.
Community Unites for Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway in South Phoenix
Thousands of residents gathered at Barrios Unidos Park in South Phoenix to receive free Thanksgiving turkeys, highlighting the increasing issue of food insecurity in Arizona. This annual event, organized by Prensa Arizona for the third consecutive year, began at 9 a.m. and saw people lining up as early as 5:30 a.m., according to Prensa CEO, Lety Garcia. The event’s growing numbers, estimated to exceed last year’s 3,000 turkeys, reflect the rising demand for food in the area.
Addressing Food Insecurity Through Community Programs
Located in one of the city’s highest food insecurity rate areas, Barrios Unidos Park has been a focal point for efforts to combat this issue. Roberto Del Real, Director of Community Services for Chicanos Por La Causa, oversees food distribution and nutrition programs to address this problem. The demand for food in the Phoenix and Tucson areas has doubled over the past year, contrary to Del Real’s expectations of a decrease.
Amid Rising Food Prices, Grocery Stores Step In
The Arizona Food Bank Network reports that one in ten Arizonans, including 226,080 children, grapple with food insecurity. High food prices exacerbate this issue, but grocery stores like Kroger are stepping in to help. Kroger is providing a $15,000 grant to Chicanos Por La Causa, which will be used to distribute $100 food gift cards to needy families. Despite these efforts, Del Real acknowledges there’s still more work to be done.
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