Turkey Trot: Hunger Does Not Take a Holiday

On a day set aside for gratitude, hundreds of people get up early to get their steps in for a good cause.

The Emergency Food Bank’s Run & Walk Against Hunger starts at 8:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and follows a course along downtown Stockton’s waterfront in a collective effort to put food on the tables of those in need.

“Within San Joaquin County, there are 83,690 people who are food insecure; that is 10.8 percent of the county’s population. Of that number, the Emergency Food Bank served 73,589 individuals, 88 percent of the food-insecure population,” Alesha Pichler, community relations manager for the food bank, said. “While we’re proud of that impact, it also shows just how much the Emergency Food Bank is needed. Because of the rising costs of utilities, housing, gas, insurance and groceries, many working families are facing food insecurity for the first time. While families struggle, the Emergency Food Bank is also struggling to maintain the level of food supply that our community needs.”

A decrease in federal food support and donations along with the government shutdown are making it difficult for the food bank’s warehouse director to source supplies. In 2019, the food bank distributed 3.9 million pounds of food, and by 2024 that number increased to 7.2 million pounds.

The first “turkey trot,” as it is nicknamed, took place in 2005 as the brainchild of Ralph Womack, who served on the food bank’s board of directors and continues to serve today.

There is still plenty of time to sign up for this year’s event as a runner or a walker. “We encourage everyone to register for the Run & Walk Against Hunger, become an event sponsor or just come out on Thanksgiving morning to cheer on the participants,” Alesha said. “We also invite attendees and the community to bring a canned food item to donate, because every contribution helps support the programs of the Emergency Food Bank.”

Each participant will receive a 21st Annual Run & Walk Against Hunger long-sleeved race shirt and a finisher medal while supplies last. The current registration fees are $45 for the 5K and 10K events and $21 for the Kids’ Fun Run. Prices will increase on race day to $50 for the 5K & 10K and $25 for the Kids’ Fun Run.

Melissa Pfeifle’s husband and her two sons run the event while she and other family members cheer them on at the finish line. They made it a family tradition beginning in 2021. “This is such a great community event,” Melissa said. “People are genuinely happy to be there. There’s music playing, people dressed up in costumes, a lot of families and everyone there working is smiling and so friendly.” Melissa and her son, Jake, said that the atmosphere is one of gratitude and giving. “There’s a warm spirit in the crowd. People aren’t just running for fun; they’re running to make a difference.”

Alesha said that the event day starts in the early morning hours with volunteers putting the event’s signature 20-foot inflatable turkey in position and setting up the course. “The Bukkyo Taiko drummers arrive and begin warming up. When participants and spectators start lining up on Fremont Street, the energy is amazing. You see people of all ages and all walks of life, some running the full course, others walking, chatting with friends and family members. You see families with toddlers being pushed in strollers or pulled in wagons.” In that moment, everyone is united to support the Emergency Food Bank. That is what makes this event such an endearing Thanksgiving tradition. About 77 volunteers help with everything from early morning setup and course monitoring to water stations and race clean-up.

The Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation is the proud presenting sponsor of the event.

“For nearly 15 years, the Run & Walk Against Hunger has been a cherished Thanksgiving tradition for our family,” said Patty Judge, president of the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation and mother of New York Yankees Captain Aaron Judge. “This season of gratitude reminds us how thankful we are for the Emergency Food Bank and for the chance to give back through this incredible community event.”

Other sponsors include American AgCredit, Dignity Health, Adventist Health Arena, Kaiser Permanente, Amazon, Bank of Stockton, Chase Chevrolet, 54 Fund, Valley Pacific Petroleum, Lincoln Center, LifePath Wealth Advisors, Sutter Health and Mayor Christina Fugazi.

“Our goal is always to increase our participation; last year, we registered 2,763 participants, and this year our goal is to reach 3,000 participants,” Alesha said. “But aside from participating in our run, our ultimate goal is to bring to light the reality of food insecurity and to let the community see how the Emergency Food Bank, Stockton’s community food bank, is working to fill that need.”

Hunger does not take a holiday. It is a year-round issue, and the Emergency Food Bank depends on community support throughout the year, not just during the holidays. The community can help by donating monetary funds or food, volunteering regularly, hosting a food drive or creating a fundraiser to benefit the food bank. The food bank will be launching a capital campaign to support the construction of the Food Recovery Hub Capacity Expansion project, a new, modern warehouse that will provide the space and tools to serve the growing need of the community.

Melissa and her family hope others step up to help the community by supporting the food bank. “It makes us feel good to do something for others, especially on a day like Thanksgiving. No one should go hungry,” Melissa affirmed.

It’s the perfect way to put your heart in the right place for a day of Thanksgiving. To make it your new Thanksgiving Day tradition, go online to runagainsthunger.org and sign up. To learn more about how to help the food bank, go online to stocktonfoodbank.org.