Stockton Police and Fire Departments Unite With Food 4 Less and Rancho San Miguel Markets to Ensure Everyone a Healthy Holiday Meal

The 22nd Annual Stockton Fire/Police Department and Food 4 Less Turkey Brigade will take place Thursday, December 14th at 8:30am.   Stockton Fire and Police officers will load 400 turkeys totaling 6,000 pounds (3 tons) onto Fire trucks, Police vehicles and the Food 4 Less truck to help feed hungry families during the holiday in front of the Food 4 Less Hammer Lane location.

At approximately 9:15am, the Turkey Brigade will make its way to the Emergency Food Bank via Pacific Avenue, with sirens blaring and Santa at the helm.

“The Stockton Police Officer's Association is very excited to be able to partner with Food 4 Less and the Stockton Fire Department for this annual Turkey Drive. We hope that we can all help make Christmas a little brighter for those families in need this holiday season."  Says Chuck Harris, Police Officers Association President.

“We look forward to this event every year and to teaming up the Stockton Police Officers Association and Food 4 Less/Rancho San Miguel Markets.  This partnership allows us an opportunity to help the Emergency Food Bank reach families in need during the holidays.” Says Mario Gardea, Vice President Stockton Professional Fire Fighters Local 456.

“Food 4 Less and Rancho San Miguel Markets are proud of the 22 year collaboration with our public safety partners and the Stockton Emergency Food Bank.  This partnership represents a continued commitment to provide hope, food and safety to the community we serve.”  Chris Podesto - Executive Director of Marketing Food 4 Less & Rancho San Miguel Markets.

The Food Bank will hand out the turkeys during its December 21st giveaway said Emergency Food Bank Executive Director, Mike Donaghy.  Donations, like these are “absolutely vital” in the nonprofit’s efforts to help combat hunger across the county.  “I’m thankful for organizations and events like this.”  Donaghy said.  “I don’t think a child or a family ought to go without a good holiday meal or any meal in particular.  A hungry child is unacceptable to me.”

Food Bank officials anticipate between 1,200-1,500 families for its December 21st giveaway.  Each family will receive a turkey and complete meal box.  “No one person or no one group can donate it all, but everybody collectively meets the need.”  Donaghy said.  “We haven’t turned anybody away for the past 5 years, and I certainly don’t expect to have to turn anybody away this time.”