While many residents are busy preparing for Thanksgiving, some are struggling to figure out what they are going to eat.
Thanks to the Food Bank of Sweetwater County’s Green River Pantry, those who are in need will not have to worry bout going hungry this Thanksgiving.
Executive Director Kathy Siler said she has ordered 200 turkeys, which will be delivered and passed out Thursday at the Green River facility.
“We are still trying to raise money to pay for those,” Siler said.
The food bank has to preorder the turkeys; and the number ordered is based on how many clients the food pantry already has, Siler explained. Siler is hoping the food bank can once again rely on the generosity of Sweetwater County residents to donate the money needed to cover the cost of the turkeys. If enough donations are not received, then money will have to be taken out of the food bank’s account, which will leave less money for it to purchase other food items throughout the year.
“Either way, we have to pay for those turkeys,” she said.
Siler said if residents did not want to give a money donation, they are also accepting turkey donations. There is always the fear that not enough turkeys were ordered, however, Siler believes they will have enough. All turkeys brought in will be used. If all the turkeys are not passed out at Thanksgiving, they will be passed out at Christmas, which will help the food bank save money on that order.
Siler said Green River currently has 170 households on the client list, which is up quite a bit from the summer when 100 to 120 families were on the list. Although work has returned in some fields, there are still elderly, disabled and poor working families that need food from the food bank to tie them over.
“If they’re in need, they will receive a turkey,” she said. “I’m expecting that we have enough for everybody.”
At Thursday’s distribution, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. not only will those families receive a turkey, but USDA commodities and food from the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies and local donations. Siler is anticipating Thursday’s distribution to be the biggest of the year.
“This month is our busiest,” she said.
Siler said clients are not going to receive Thanksgiving in a box, but they can choose from other food supplies the food bank has. The food bank just does not have all of those Thanksgiving items donated.
What some might forget is just how long a 13-to-14 pound turkey can last and that is why this project is so important.
“A family can eat for several days on that turkey,” she said.
Left over turkey can be made into all kinds of dishes.
Once this big distribution is over, Siler, her employees and volunteers will regroup and start getting ready for December’s turkey distribution day, which will take place Dec. 18. All turkey donations must be in by Dec. 15, she said.
Residents can drop off turkeys, donations or money donations at the Green River Food Pantry on Mondays or Fridays from 1-3 p.m. Siler wanted to thank the community for its continued support and donations.
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