FOLSOM — Hundreds of local families that may have otherwise gone without, received just about everything they need for a complete Thanksgiving meal this week as Twin Lakes Food Bank concluded its annual three-day Turkey and Trimmings distribution Thursday afternoon, a longtime community tradition made possible through donors, partners, and volunteers across Folsom and the surrounding region.
For 2025, the food bank shifted to an appointment-based format, allowing families to arrive during designated time slots beginning Tuesday morning, continuing through Wednesday, and concluded Thursday. The system helped reduce wait times and created a smoother, more personal experience as guests arrived to pick up turkeys, pies, produce, sides, and additional items for a holiday meal they may otherwise have gone without.
By the end of Thursday, Twin Lakes Food Bank confirmed to Folsom Times that volunteers had served 423 families—an increase of nearly 20 percent from last year’s distribution—and the effort was backed by major contributions from community partners. This year’s totals included 440 turkeys donated by local community partners, 400 pies donated by Lakeside Church, 885 pounds of Thanksgiving side dishes and 4,620 pounds of fresh produce supplied by the Sacramento Food Bank, and supplemental side dishes contributed by 17 additional organizations.
While the numbers are impressive, staff say the human moments behind them were what defined this year’s event.
“Every November, as I set my own table—laden with dishes I’ve made for years—I rarely stop to consider where it all comes from,” said Rachel Hill, communications coordinator for Twin Lakes Food Bank. “But over the past month, as our team prepared for our annual Turkey and Trimmings giveaway, that perspective shifted. I’ve been reminded, again and again, that for many in our community, this holiday brings something entirely different.”
Hill described families facing food insecurity, seniors on fixed incomes, parents worrying about what they cannot provide, and veterans spending the holiday alone. For them, she said, Thanksgiving can be a source of stress or sorrow rather than celebration. Yet this year, she added, brought a remarkable response from the community.
“Our community showed up in a way that left us overwhelmed with gratitude,” Hill said. “Churches, businesses, service clubs, and local organizations rallied together, pouring in support, donations, and love.”
Guests who arrived throughout the three-day event received not only groceries, but a warm welcome from volunteers in turkey hats, aprons, and festive fall colors. Volunteers guided families through stations, loaded vehicles, offered assistance, and made time for meaningful conversations.
“When guests arrived, they were greeted not just with boxes of fresh produce, turkeys, desserts, sides, and all the trimmings—they were greeted with joy,” Hill said. “It was a 360-degree act of service: joyful, compassionate, and deeply human.”
Many left with more than food. A number of families shared emotional moments with volunteers, some quietly wiping away tears of relief, while children bounced excitedly as they spotted pies, fresh vegetables, and the turkeys being wheeled to waiting cars.
Hill recalled one mother who became emotional after receiving a Safeway gift card, which allowed her to buy one special item she could not otherwise afford. Another guest—who had signed up for a Thanksgiving meal—asked that his meal be given to someone else who needed it more following the recent cuts to CalFresh benefits.
“Even in his own uncertainty, he chose generosity,” Hill said. “This is what real community looks like.”
The Thanksgiving distribution is one of the food bank’s largest undertakings each year, and staff say many don’t realize the growing need behind it. When Executive Director Lisa Tuter first joined Twin Lakes Food Bank nearly six years ago, they were serving around 1,700 individuals per month. That number rose to 2,400 by September of 2022. Now, the food bank assists roughly 3,400 individuals monthly—many of them seniors on fixed incomes working through rising food, medical, and housing costs.
“When you are on a limited income and prices go up, you have to make choices where to cut back,” Tuter said earlier this year. “You can’t cut back on rent, medical care, or prescriptions, so it’s usually cutting back on groceries because that’s the one place you can get help.”
As the Thanksgiving effort wraps up, Twin Lakes Food Bank now shifts its focus toward Christmas programs while continuing to meet everyday needs for families throughout Folsom, El Dorado Hills, and Granite Bay. Staff say every donated dollar, grocery bag, or holiday item directly impacts a neighbor who may be struggling this season.
“To everyone who made this year’s Turkey and Trimmings giveaway possible: thank you,” Hill said. “You brought hope to tables across Folsom. You reminded families that they are not alone. And you reminded all of us that giving is not just about what we offer—it’s about how deeply we choose to care.”
Those wishing to donate or learn more about Twin Lakes Food Bank can visitwww.twinlakesfoodbank.org.
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