Union Gospel Mission feeds 10,000 families with free meal kits
- The cost of Thanksgiving dinner is significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
- Union Gospel Mission is distributing meal kits to 10,000 families to address food insecurity.
- This initiative illustrates community support and hope for those struggling financially.
In St. Paul, Minnesota, Union Gospel Mission is offering free Thanksgiving meal kits to support families facing financial hardships. This initiative arrives as the cost of Thanksgiving dinner is nearly 20% higher compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels, driven by soaring grocery prices despite a drop in turkey costs. Volunteers, such as Delonte Buckney, who have personal experiences with addiction and homelessness, emphasize the value of such support for those struggling to provide meals for their families. For the 67th year, Union Gospel Mission has provided these essential food packages, and demand has surged to unprecedented levels this year, prompting a quick response to meet the community's needs. CEO Pam Stegora Axberg highlights how many families are managing finances week to week and the crucial role these meal kits play in alleviating some of the financial stress.