San Antonio Food Bank Hosts Turkey Trot, Prepares Thanksgiving Meals

The San Antonio Food Bank is gearing up for a busy Thanksgiving by organizing its annual Turkey Trot 5K and a holiday lunch for those in need. On Thursday, November 23, 2023, the Turkey Trot will serve as both a fundraising event and a means to provide hot meals to the community. Volunteers and staff are coordinating efforts across downtown San Antonio and at the Food Bank’s Old Highway 90 facility to manage logistics for both events.

Turkey Trot Details and Community Impact

The 16th annual Turkey Trot will kick off at 8:30 a.m. at the Commander’s House, located at the H-E-B Arsenal at 622 S. Flores St. Organizers expect approximately 6,000 participants this year, with registration fees supporting the purchase of turkeys for families in need. Important details regarding packet pick-up times, parking arrangements, and the race route, which highlights several downtown landmarks, have been shared on the Food Bank’s official website.

Thanksgiving Lunch at Haven for Hope

Following the race, the culinary team from the San Antonio Food Bank will prepare and serve a Thanksgiving lunch to hundreds of residents at the Haven for Hope campus, beginning around 11 a.m.. The Haven for Hope intake and volunteer center is located at One Haven for Hope Way. This campus regularly collaborates with the Food Bank for holiday meal services, and additional support from volunteers and corporate partners is expected to ensure the operation runs smoothly.

In the days leading up to the holiday, the San Antonio Food Bank is also offering curbside pantry pickups at its Old Highway 90 location. Available slots are scheduled for November 25 and November 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Information regarding packet pick-up and volunteer registration for the Turkey Trot is available online, with organizers encouraging early registration to alleviate congestion on race day.

Local reports emphasize that these events have a broader significance, particularly given the rising demand for emergency food assistance in Bexar County. Changes to federal benefits and other support programs have heightened the need for services like those offered by the Food Bank. As such, organizers are urging both donations and volunteer participation to sustain services throughout the holiday season and beyond.