For more than a decade, the Care Alliance Health Center has hosted its annual Turkey and Food Giveaway. This year, with more people experiencing food insecurity and the delay in SNAP benefits, the Care Alliance turkey and food distribution can’t come at a better time.
The bags of turkeys ready for pick up are Care Alliance Health Center.On Saturday, Nov. 15, the turkey giveaway will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Care Alliance’s Central Clinic, 2916 Central Ave. The event will provide families across Cleveland with turkeys, nonperishable items, and essential household goods to support them through the holiday season.
The event is directed at residents from Central, Buckeye, Woodland Hills, Mt. Pleasant, and surrounding neighborhoods.
With a guiding philosophy, “Care for You. Care for Me. Care for All,” and its commitment to providing comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health services to Cleveland’s most vulnerable populations, Care Alliance Health Care has offices in the Central neighborhood, Fairfax neighborhood, and downtown.
Delays and reductions in food assistance programs have placed a heavy burden on households already working to manage grocery costs, medical expenses, and housing challenges, says Care Alliance Health Center president and CEO Dr. Ken J.A. Griffin.
“For many of the families we serve, this is not just a holiday challenge—it is a daily reality,” he explains. “When SNAP benefits are reduced or delayed, when grocery prices climb, when paychecks no longer stretch, families are forced to make impossible choices. This food distribution is our way of standing with them and reminding our community that no one should have to face these challenges alone.”
Many community leaders support the programs that organizations like Care Alliance Health Center’s turkey and food giveaway, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland’s annual community turkey dinner and turkey deliveries, and many others, are doing to help their Northeast Ohio neighbors.
Cuyahoga County District 9 Council member Meredith M. Turner says she supports Care Alliance’s work in food insecurity, and she plans to join the effort.
Attendees wait to pick up their turkeys in 2024 at Care Alliance Health Care facility in the Central neighborhood.“Food is love. It is care. It is dignity—and this reflects what is possible when we stand together in service to one another,” Turner says. “Care Alliance has long been a trusted partner in this work, and I am grateful to join with them and our community partners to ensure families feel seen, supported, and valued during this season of giving.”
“When we show up with compassion, we nourish more than meals—we strengthen the bonds that connect and uplift our community,” Turner continues. “Together, we are building a Cleveland where everyone belongs, and no one is left behind.”
Care Alliance Health Center board of directors chair Renée Tramble Richard says the board is proud of the work Care Alliance is doing through partnerships.
“Every family deserves the comfort of a warm and nourishing meal, especially during the holiday season,” Richard says. “The Care Alliance board of directors is proud to support this effort and grateful for our partnership with Tri-C Corporate College, whose collaboration allows us to provide high-quality, nutritious food to our community. This is care-in-action, and it reflects our shared belief in dignity, compassion, and community strength.”
Volunteers, staff, and partner organizations will be present throughout the morning to support distribution. The turkey distribution is open to the public, while supplies last.
“This is about dignity, compassion, and community,” says Griffin. “When we care for the most vulnerable among us, we strengthen all of us.”
Dining and Cooking