If Hollywood serves as a guide, it becomes evident that most households face a significant challenge when it comes to handling a single frozen turkey. In the realm of movies, turkeys often present various issues such as being dry, burnt, frozen, of an unmanageable size, or disappointingly small. There are even instances where turkeys get stuck on someone's head, and they might be unavailable at the store. Moreover, the recipes seem to hide some implausible dangers at every step.

Spreading Cheer with Frozen Turkeys

During each Thanksgiving, food banks across metro Phoenix strive to collect thousands of frozen turkeys. These turkeys are not only meant to bring cheer but also perhaps a touch of chaos to families in need. This requires a meticulous process of collecting, storing, and distributing a large number of birds.A perfectly cooked turkey holds a special place in Thanksgiving celebrations. According to Maddie Mittelstaedt, the food drive manager at United Food Bank, every family deserves this, regardless of their circumstances. Having a meal shared with family truly is the hallmark of Thanksgiving. It is important to have food on the table throughout the year, and during the holidays, the emotional aspect becomes even more significant. We always want to ensure that kids have memories around the table with their family, and the table is filled.How do food banks handle hundreds of frozen turkeys? Food donations typically consist of non-perishable items like canned vegetables and meat, pasta and rice, and shelf-stable milk. Phoenix food banks manage these and other donations year-round to help families get food on the table. But during the holidays, they take on a larger, colder, and more complex task. Thousands of basketball-sized birds are picked up from grocery stores, passed through car windows at drive-thru donation events, and kept cool at food banks before reaching families in need.This year, United Food Bank aimed for more than 1,250 turkeys. Logistically, this involves more food safety considerations compared to non-perishable donations and occurs during the busiest time of the year. November is indeed the "Super Bowl" at the food bank. However, they manage with their trucks equipped with refrigerators and freezers for fresh produce, meat, and dairy deliveries throughout the year. This year, the United Food Bank distribution day was the day after the drive, so the turkeys were donated one day, spent the night in the freezer, and then distributed to families the next.

Phoenix Rescue Mission's Turkey Drive

Phoenix Rescue Mission had a goal of 1,500 turkeys. Senior marketing director Sean Little described the non-profit as "one small player" in the region when it comes to turkey drives. There are many players in the game trying to get turkeys and organize drives. For them, it's about finding a way to get a piece of the pie.Families and businesses have stepped up to help. In recent years, Little has noticed that even if it seems like they are short on turkeys, people tend to show up with them. Imagine an event where 550 families are expected, and there are not 550 turkeys available. Yet, every year, either a family or a local grocer comes forward to support them because they understand the importance.Sometimes, banks purchase additional turkeys if they don't reach their donation goal. Food donations during this time often include items for classic Thanksgiving sides like pumpkin or stuffing. Phoenix Rescue Mission tries to provide the best accompaniments to the turkeys. Sometimes, it can be a bit inconsistent, but they do make an effort to honor the families in this way. They also distribute bags of hygiene and cleaning items.The need is great, as both Little and Mittelstaedt have emphasized. United Food Bank works with 120 agencies across eastern Arizona, serving more than 52,000 meals a day. The people they serve often have to make impossible decisions like choosing between rent, medical bills, or food. Phoenix Rescue Mission serves 200 families each weekday through its food bank in Glendale and specific distributions in high-need communities.Of course, food insecurity is a constant burden. At the holidays, the ongoing economic stress is often compounded by emotions. It is supposed to be a magical time, but often, it turns out to be the opposite. Families stress about how they will be able to provide this beautiful experience and get through this time. It is a privilege to alleviate some of this stress.