A Turkey Giveaway in Boyle Heights helps Angelinos this holiday season

Last Saturday, November 18th, the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA, a nonprofit organization with approximately 25 additional YMCA sister branches, offered low-income families financial assistance with its 9th annual “Fiesta para La Comunidad” in the community of Boyle Heights. 

The event took place at  Mariachi Plaza from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering attendees warm meals, turkey and canned goods for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Organizers and volunteers began to haul the frozen turkeys and meals as early as 8 a.m. At the same time, community members from all corners of Los Angeles lined up to receive their bounty of food. 

Annual Celebration

To organize and bring together this annual celebration, the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA partnered with Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital, just across the street from where the event was held, as well as the University of Southern California, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis and Assemblymember Miguel Santiago. 

Other community partners and sponsors of the event included Southwest Carpenters, Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin De Leon,Urban Partners LA, Legacy LA, Koreatown Youth + Community Center, Clinica Monseñor Oscar Moreno, Central City Neighborhood Partners (CCNP) and Little Tokyo Service Center. 

The event fed and provided food to more than 1,000 people, the majority of them Latinos, according to Weingart East LA YMCA’s Executive Director Brenda Hernandez. 

Fighting Food Insecurity 

On average, more than 1 out of every 5 Californians faces uncertain or inconsistent access to food. In the state, Latinos also have the second highest record of overall food insecurity, with an estimated 32% being afflicted, according to the United States Census Bureau. 

The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food, which can include experiences such as worrying about running out of food, not having enough money to buy more, not being able to afford balanced meals or skipping meals. 

L.A. County’s food insecurity is not much different from that of the Golden State’s. A study published in September of this year by USC Dornsife found that 30% of Los Angeles County residents are faced with food insecurity, a 6% increase from the previous year. 

The same study published that in 2023, rates of food insecurity were more than two times higher among Hispanic/Latino (38%) compared to white residents (16%). In addition, in LA County, most residents experiencing food insecurity in 2023 are low-income (77%), female (59%), Hispanic/Latino (62%) and in the 18 to 40-year-old gap (55%).

Giving Back 

For Assemblymember Santiago, these numbers are alarming and show the community’s need for events such as the one held last Saturday. “We are here to give back to the community. We are handing out turkeys and the stuffing and goods that people want to have on their tables this Thanksgiving dinner,” he told CALÒ NEWS. “We know times are tough right now. For everyone who has a need, we are trying to help them as much as possible during these holidays.”

Maria Mendez, 65, was one of the attendees who traveled 30 minutes in public transportation from East LA to be able to obtain a free turkey for her family. As the matriarch of her family, having a Thanksgiving dinner is important for her. For three consecutive years, Mendez has arrived in Mariachi Plaza to take advantage of the food resources offered at  the annual turkey giveaway. 

“I’m here today because I consider myself to be part of the community. I know this event happens every year; I tell people I know to come out here today because I know many of us need a little help,” she said. 

Mendez said these events are more than just receiving a free meal or turkey. They are also about socializing, enjoying other people’s company and being in community with others. “I love to come to events like these, especially ones where I get to talk to other elders like myself and share information with each other,” she said.

High Prices 

In 2023, turkey prices are up 3.5% from last year, according to FinanceBuzz, an informational, independent economic website. California has some of the country’s highest prices when it comes to turkeys. An average 15-pound turkey costs an average of $41.85 dollars, but prices can be higher depending on demand and purchase location, amongst other factors.

According to the California Association of Food Banks, experiencing food insecurity has serious physical and non-physical impacts on an individual’s well-being that can be reflected in poor school attendance and performance, lowered workplace productivity and worse … their mental health.

Hernandez said this is an event they look forward to organizing every year because not everyone can afford to buy a turkey. “We are trying to spread holiday cheer, but food insecurity is still a big issue in Boyle Heights and East LA. These efforts are basically to provide all the ingredients needed so that families do not have to worry about this year’s Thanksgiving dinner,” she told CALÒ NEWS. “We want these families to have the Thanksgiving dinner that they deserve.”

The event concluded with performances from Resurrection Folklórico, charros, and a cheer team. “I’m very thankful for everyone who put this event together, for inviting us and not leaving us behind. I’m taking my turkey home, and I’m excited to share it with my family,” Mendez said.