WORCESTER—A collaborative effort led by Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty and supported by Stop & Shop, the Worcester Housing Authority, and Carabetta Properties distributed 2,500 turkeys to community members at the former Stop & Shop location on Lincoln Street on Nov. 21.
The event, part of Stop & Shop’s Turkey Express program, provided holiday meals to families in need ahead of Thanksgiving. According to Stop & Shop, this was the largest turkey distribution event in the region in recent history, according to the announcement.
The festive atmosphere at the distribution was marked by appearances from mascots and volunteers from local sports teams, including the Worcester Red Sox, Railers, and Bravehearts. Citizens Bank also contributed volunteers to the event. Attendees were treated to complimentary cider, coffee, and pastries provided by Stop & Shop. Each turkey bag included resources in English and Spanish with cooking instructions, ensuring families could prepare their meals with ease.
“Our community is known for its strong collaborative spirit,” said Petty. “We know that food insecurity is an issue impacting our residents, and losing the Lincoln Street location was a significant loss to the neighborhood. We can rest assured that many residents will not need to worry about buying a turkey this year. I am so grateful that Stop & Shop chose to help ease the stress of losing the Lincoln Street store while helping ensure that many families will have a turkey this Thanksgiving.”
The turkeys were distributed not only to individual residents of the Worcester Housing Authority and Carabetta Properties’ Lincoln Village but also to local parishes, social service agencies, and the Worcester Public Schools. Any leftover turkeys were donated to El Buen Samaritano Food Program to further support community members in need.
Stop & Shop’s Turkey Express program has long been committed to assisting hunger relief organizations, and this year’s effort in Worcester underscores the community’s dedication to ensuring that no family goes without during the holiday season.
