BROOKLYN, NY – In a significant show of community solidarity this holiday season, Society House has partnered with the Off The Ave Foundation to execute a large-scale turkey distribution aimed at alleviating hunger for Brooklyn’s most vulnerable residents. Facing a year marked by drastic budget cuts to essential safety nets like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and rising inflation, the two organizations successfully acquired and distributed 300 turkeys, securing a Thanksgiving meal for an estimated 1,500 individuals.
The initiative comes at a critical juncture for New York City families. Food insecurity has increased drastically across the borough, forcing diverse demographics—including working families, the elderly, and those facing sudden economic downturns—to rely heavily on food pantries. While local pantries work tirelessly to provide non-perishables such as canned goods, pasta, and lentils, the high cost of fresh proteins often makes a traditional Thanksgiving dinner inaccessible for many. This collaboration sought to fill that specific gap, ensuring that financial hardship did not preclude families from participating in the tradition of a shared holiday meal.
Grassroots Power and Strategic Partnership
The distribution was spearheaded by Off The Ave Foundation, a Brooklyn-based grassroots non-profit led by Justin Edwards. While the foundation is primarily known for its mission to uplift children and families through education, literacy promotion, and strategic business partnerships, this initiative highlighted their capacity for rapid community mobilization.
By partnering with Society House, who provided the crucial backing and resources to power the event, the team was able to scale their impact significantly. The logistics required extensive planning, moving beyond simple funding to the "barebones" operational work of sourcing, transporting, and organizing the distribution of hundreds of frozen turkeys to ensure they reached the hands that needed them most.
Supporting the Most Vulnerable
A cornerstone of this year’s distribution was a targeted collaboration with the Acacia Network, a leading non-profit organization providing emergency assistance and shelter. Through this channel, the initiative was able to reach families facing extreme instability.
Over 72 turkeys were specifically allocated to families currently residing in emergency housing. Many of these recipients have been displaced from their homes due to fires, natural disasters, or extenuating circumstances entirely outside their control. For these families, the provision of a Thanksgiving turkey offers more than just sustenance; it provides a sense of normalcy, dignity, and stability during a time of significant personal upheaval.
A Commitment to Collective Action
This initiative underscores a broader philosophy championed by both Society House and Off The Ave Foundation: the belief that direct-impact initiatives are the most effective way to strengthen community bonds. The event operated on the principle that "no person is left behind," ensuring equal access to resources regardless of a recipient's background or current housing status.
As demand for food assistance continues to outpace the resources of government programs, it has become incumbent upon private entities and community collectives to step forward. Society House and Off The Ave Foundation have demonstrated that through teamwork and shared resources, the community can effectively bridge the gap, ensuring that neighbors are fed, supported, and celebrated.
