UPDATE: Operation Gobble Gobble 2025 is just days away, bringing urgent relief to families in need this holiday season. On Saturday, November 25, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m., the Solano County Fairgrounds will be the site of a massive food distribution event, aiming to provide 2,500 turkeys and 2,500 boxes of Thanksgiving essentials to those who need it most.
Hosted by Food is Free Bay Area and Assemblymember Lori Wilson, this drive-through event is expected to draw large crowds, with organizers advising attendees to “bring your patience” as lines are anticipated to be long. Residents will enter through the Redwood Avenue exit and proceed along Fairgrounds Drive to the main gates.
Volunteers have been hard at work to prepare for this momentous occasion. On Wednesday evening, Heather Pierini, Executive Director of Food is Free, oversaw the packing of 2,500 cardboard boxes filled with Thanksgiving staples including stuffing, gravy, corn, and mashed potatoes. “We have a lot going on, a lot of moving pieces and a lot of organizations from the community coming out to help,” Pierini stated.
This year, all 2,500 turkeys were purchased from Smart and Final’s nonprofit arm, arriving via an entire semi-truck. The event has been a staple in the community for four years, with Wilson fundraising and sponsoring the initiative. “We have been able to help thousands of families with holiday food through the help of Lori Wilson,” Pierini added.
The need for assistance remains critical. During the recent government shutdown, Food is Free saw a staggering increase in demand, serving up to 673 families in a single day. Attendance has stayed high, with around 668 families still relying on regular distributions, despite the shutdown’s end. “People are really hurting, and they are really worried,” Pierini said, emphasizing the ongoing struggles many families face.
The organization, which relies heavily on volunteers and small grants for funding, is stepping in to fill gaps left by government programs like SNAP. “We cannot replace the job of a government,” Pierini stated, calling for better support for nonprofits to ensure they can meet the community’s needs.
As the holiday season approaches, Operation Gobble Gobble 2025 stands as a vital lifeline for many families in Solano County. The event’s impact goes beyond just food; it represents a community coming together to support those in need.
Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for a busy day at the fairgrounds this Saturday. With vital supplies on hand, the goal is to ensure that no family goes hungry this Thanksgiving.
Stay tuned for updates as we approach the event, and share this information to help spread the word about Operation Gobble Gobble 2025.
