Less than a week before Thanksgiving, rising grocery costs and the impact of a government shutdown are prompting more families in Sacramento to seek help in preparing their holiday dinner, with local organizations and community members stepping up to provide food and support.”I got a turkey for one of my neighbors. I’m gonna try to make it,” said Sophia Thompson.She picked up free groceries at the Shakur Center on Broadway for her neighbors who don’t have a car. Her efforts are part of a larger community initiative to support those in need. The director of Joey’s Food Locker at Natomas High School, Osvaldo Ortiz, said this is the busiest year yet. “We’re seeing our largest distribution in our 10-year history here in Joey’s locker,” he said. “I think we’re going to be eclipsing over 1,000 families.”Jordan McGowan, from the Shakur Center, noted that there have been longer lines lately. “We feed people consistently as a part of our demonstration to show our love and commitment to the community and what we believe in,” McGowan said. The lines for Joey’s Food Locker are so long that traffic cops have been set up at busy intersections. Geofonee Stokes, a single mom, chose to walk in rather than wait in her car to feed her seven children and grandson. “I have four teenage boys and they like to eat. So this is so helpful and I can stretch it out,” she said. “Especially with them being out of school for a whole week. The struggle is really real.”Despite her challenges, Stokes expressed gratitude for the assistance.”Even though my situation isn’t the best, there are people that are in worse situations than me,” she said. “I’m just grateful that I’m able to receive help, that they’re able to help, and that I’m still here because tomorrow isn’t promised.”Thompson summed up the community’s spirit.”I’m just trying to make a difference one person at a time,” Thompson said. As the trunk of a car slammed shut, a cheerful “Happy Thanksgiving” echoed, capturing the essence of the community’s efforts.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Less than a week before Thanksgiving, rising grocery costs and the impact of a government shutdown are prompting more families in Sacramento to seek help in preparing their holiday dinner, with local organizations and community members stepping up to provide food and support.
“I got a turkey for one of my neighbors. I’m gonna try to make it,” said Sophia Thompson.
She picked up free groceries at the Shakur Center on Broadway for her neighbors who don’t have a car. Her efforts are part of a larger community initiative to support those in need.
The director of Joey’s Food Locker at Natomas High School, Osvaldo Ortiz, said this is the busiest year yet.
“We’re seeing our largest distribution in our 10-year history here in Joey’s locker,” he said. “I think we’re going to be eclipsing over 1,000 families.”
Jordan McGowan, from the Shakur Center, noted that there have been longer lines lately.
“We feed people consistently as a part of our demonstration to show our love and commitment to the community and what we believe in,” McGowan said.
The lines for Joey’s Food Locker are so long that traffic cops have been set up at busy intersections.
Geofonee Stokes, a single mom, chose to walk in rather than wait in her car to feed her seven children and grandson.
“I have four teenage boys and they like to eat. So this is so helpful and I can stretch it out,” she said. “Especially with them being out of school for a whole week. The struggle is really real.”
Despite her challenges, Stokes expressed gratitude for the assistance.
“Even though my situation isn’t the best, there are people that are in worse situations than me,” she said. “I’m just grateful that I’m able to receive help, that they’re able to help, and that I’m still here because tomorrow isn’t promised.”
Thompson summed up the community’s spirit.
“I’m just trying to make a difference one person at a time,” Thompson said.
As the trunk of a car slammed shut, a cheerful “Happy Thanksgiving” echoed, capturing the essence of the community’s efforts.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
Dining and Cooking