The Sacramento Loaves & Fishes charity is giving the needy a happy Thanksgiving this year, marking its 40th anniversary of providing free Thanksgiving meals.
It’s our 40th Thanksgiving but it’s Chef Edwin’s 25th! pic.twitter.com/cpXfEe7qK2
— Sacramento Loaves & Fishes (@loavesandfishes) November 21, 2023
According to KCRA 3, the charity has been feeding hundreds of homeless individuals and families for four decades.
The organization began this tradition of giving in 1983 and served just 70 free meals.
Over time, the organization’s efforts grew along with the need. On Tuesday, the Sacramento Loaves & Fishes organization gave out at least 800 free meals.
Edwin Burton has been the lead cook for 25 of the 40 years.
He told KCRA 3, “It’s like a three-day event getting everything going. Getting the turkeys done, getting the stuffing done, and the onions cut, the bell peppers, you know, getting everything cut for the meal.”
This year’s meal consisted of stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, and of course, turkey. Everyone served is also given dessert.
As the tradition continues, it has changed, and this year brings new challenges. In September, co-founder Marie Josephine Delany passed away.
This is the first year the event has been held without the founders, but it goes on along with the efforts of others.
This branch of Loaves & Fishes offers numerous programs to aid the community. According to its website, the organization provides not only food and shelter, but a park, housing for the pets of the homeless, prison visitation aid and mental health assistance.
One of their shelters, Mary House, provides a living space for homeless women and families.
Shannon Dominguez Stevens, director of Mary House, explained the need for this year’s event to KCRA 3.
“We sort of look at how the numbers have ebbed and flowed, so we could probably serve about 1,000 people today,” she said. “Leftovers will be used. We’ll continue to serve our guests tomorrow.”
Then she concluded, “When we look into the eyes of our guests, we see ourselves.”