St. Vincent de Paul wrapped up its annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive this week, delivering more than 500 meal baskets to families ahead of the holiday.
The organization saw a significant rise in demand this year. Volunteers delivered 521 baskets, increasing from last year’s total of 356. Executive Director Jennifer Skinner said the jump reflects the growing need in the community for food assistance.
With grocery prices on the rise and federal food assistance, or SNAP benefits, cut during the government shutdown, food insecurity has grown in Juneau and across the state. Local nonprofits say more and more families are relying on community food programs to bridge the gap between high food cost and less food assistance.
The increased demand, she said, is a reminder that the holiday season can be especially difficult for families struggling to afford groceries.
“To be able to provide a meal for a family to sit down together and make memories, it creates joy and hope for people who don’t always get that privilege,” Skinner said. “That’s the foundation of why we do what we do at St. Vincent de Paul, is so that we can be that hope.”
More than 150 volunteers participated in the drive, spending days sorting donations, assembling baskets tailored to each household’s needs, and helping deliver more than 3,300 pounds of food across Juneau.
Anonymous donors helped cover the cost of purchasing food, including more than $9,000 spent on turkeys alone. Local congregations and community groups held their own collection drives to fill out the baskets, which included a full Thanksgiving spread — turkey, pies, butter, stuffing, mashed potato mix, yams, gravy, cranberry sauce and jelly.
St. Vincent de Paul is one of the primary organizations supporting people struggling with housing and food security. The nonprofit operates services including the cold weather warming shelter, emergency food pantry and seasonal programs like the Thanksgiving Basket Drive.
Skinner said the program’s impact extends beyond Thanksgiving. Even small items, she said, can make a meaningful difference for people facing hardship throughout the year.
“Sometimes they have nothing else going right for them, but if we can be that one place that says yes, and is able to provide, that’s what it’s all about.”
