Turkey Distribution Provides Holiday Meals For 1,000 Households

Mecklenburg County distributed nearly 1,000 frozen turkeys and boxes of side dishes during its first ever Saturdays on Stitt Turkey Giveaway on Nov. 22.  

The initiative was born out of a desire to support families and individuals whose SNAP benefits were disrupted during the recent government shutdown and other residents facing food insecurity.  

“Even though SNAP recipients have had their benefits restored, we know many are still feeling the impacts of food insecurity,” said Department of Community Resources Director Yulonda Griffin. “Our team is committed to finding ways to support our community and connect them with basic necessities and life-enhancing resources.” 

See photos from the event.  

Department of Community Resources staff warmly greeted attendees arriving for the drive-thru event at the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center. Attendees not only received food but learned more about food resources offered by the County and community partners. Mecklenburg County partnered with local food pantry Nourish Up and Food Lion for the distribution.

Help remains available for residents facing food insecurity. Learn more about resources at MeckNC.gov/Food.  

Residents looking to help their neighbors can also make a financial contribution to NourishUp.org/Meck-Cares or drop off donations at:  

• Northern Regional Recreation Center: 18121 Old Statesville Road, Cornelius, N.C. 28031
• Eastway Regional Recreation Center: 3150 Eastway Park Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28213  
• Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library: 2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28216
• South County Regional Library: 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28277  
• University City Regional Library: 5528 Waters Edge Village Drive, Charlotte, N.C. 28262

Support Continues for SNAP Recipients  

On Nov. 3, Mecklenburg County announced $740,000 in FY2026-approved funding to support multiple efforts to ensure residents had access to groceries and nutritional food options for their families.

Since that announcement, Mecklenburg County and its partners have helped:  

• More than 15,300 individuals receive a 7-day supply of groceries through Nourish Up’s food pantries, mobile mass distribution sites and food shares.
• Provide more than 1,300 residents 2-day food boxes.  
• Distribute $50 food gift cards to more than 115 newly approved emergency SNAP participants. Additional gift cards remain available for approximately 280 qualified participants.  
• 1,214 eligible SNAP households receive special one-time $50 farmers market vouchers. These vouchers equal $60,700.  
• Collect more than 2,200 pounds of food at donation boxes.  
• Raise more than $7,350 at the Nourish Up donation link.  
• Provide more than 1,700 turkeys and holiday fixings boxes through food shares.