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Writer's pictureUrban Food Alliance

Empty Plates, Heavy Hearts: This Thanksgiving, Let's Fill Both for Seniors and Refugees in Need

Trenton, NJ (October 26, 2024): Imagine a Thanksgiving table… but instead of laughter and shared stories, there's only silence. Instead of a feast, there's an empty plate. Sadly, this is the reality for far too many seniors and refugees in our own New York/New Jersey community. This year, Urban Food Alliance (UFA) is determined to rewrite that story. 

We're on a mission to deliver 700-800 Thanksgiving meals, overflowing with warmth and deliciousness, to those who need it most. We're talking about our incredible seniors, who built this community, and the resilient refugees who are building their new lives here. 


Why this matters: 

  • Did you know? Over 1 in 10 seniors in New York State face food insecurity. (Source: Feeding America) That means skipping meals, relying on cheap, unhealthy food, and facing the holidays with dread instead of joy. 

  • Imagine: Escaping conflict and arriving in a new country, only to find yourself alone and struggling to provide a holiday meal for your family. This is the reality for many refugees. 


At UFA, we understand the challenges. We know that getting to the grocery store can be a monumental task for a senior with limited mobility. We know that a fixed income doesn't stretch far enough to cover a Thanksgiving feast. And we know that loneliness can be the hardest thing to swallow during the holidays. 


Some senior citizen is eating happily

That's why we're doing more than just delivering meals. 

  • At the Cathedral Center in Trenton Downtown, NJ, and refugee centers across New York City, we're creating warm, welcoming spaces where people can connect, share stories, and enjoy a sense of belonging. 

  • Our volunteers aren't just delivering food; they're delivering smiles and companionship. Like last year, when volunteer Sarah met Mr. Johnson, a veteran who hadn't had a real Thanksgiving dinner in years. "The look on his face when we arrived with a hot meal… it made my whole year," Sarah shared. 


This Thanksgiving, you have the power to make a difference: 

  • Even $5 can provide a senior with a hearty Thanksgiving meal. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal. 

  • Canned goods, turkeys, fresh produce – every donation counts! Clean out your pantry and give the gift of a full plate. 

  • Volunteer your time and share your warmth. We need helping hands to cook, pack, and deliver meals. 

  • Share this story! Spread the word on social media, tell your friends and family. Let's make sure everyone knows where to find help and how to give it. 


How You Can Get Involved

  • Donate: Your financial support allows us to continue providing essential services.


  • Volunteer: Be the hands and hearts behind our initiatives. There’s always a place for you in our community.


  • Spread the Word: Share our story with your network and amplify our impact.


Together, let's ensure that every table is full, every heart is warmed, and everyone has a reason to give thanks this Thanksgiving. 

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