New York, NY – Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, Councilmember Carlina Rivera, Representative Dan Goldman, and the Loisaida Center distributed over 1,500 turkeys and 200 pernils to families in the 74th Assembly District ahead of Thanksgiving.

Generous donations from businesses and community organizations in the district, and partnerships with local schools and nonprofits ensured that turkeys went to approximately 1,700 families in need.

The annual Turkey Drive is a critical part of Assembly Member Epstein’s ongoing efforts to address social justice issues in the community including increasing food security. Since its inception in 2018, some 5,500 meals have been distributed in the community in this annual tradition.

“We can build a stronger, more engaged community when we work together to make sure that everyone is lifted,” said Assembly Member Harvey Epstein. “Food insecurity is all too common in our community and people cannot thrive when their basic needs aren’t met. I’m proud to partner with the Loisaida Center for the fifth year in a row to organize this year’s Turkey Drive to make sure East Side families can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. In the 74th Assembly District, we take care of our neighbors and this year we are proud to give out a record 1,500 turkeys, 200 pernils, and 400 bags of pantry items to folks who need them.”

“This is my second year participating in the Lower East Side Turkey Drive organized by Assembly Member Harvey Epstein and Loisaida Inc. Loisaida is an incredible organization that helps so many families in need. I’m grateful to be able to help distribute over 1,500 turkeys this year so New Yorkers can enjoy Thanksgiving,” said Congressman Dan Goldman.

State Senator Brian Kavanagh said: “I am pleased to join the Loisaida Center and my colleagues in government to help residents of our community provide holiday meals for their families and loved ones. At a time when many of us gather for big feasts to celebrate the holidays, it is important that we remember that many of our neighbors face food insecurity, and efforts like this represent the last line of defense against hunger. Our actions must not end here. We must continue to raise awareness about food insecurity and support local food pantries and other initiatives to feed communities and families in need.”

“With Thanksgiving around the corner, it is necessary that we support our communities in need on the East Side. Being there for our neighbors during the holiday season is at the heart of Thanksgiving, and I am proud to collaborate with our local partners for this holiday turkey drive,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera (D-02).

“For the past five years, Baruch tenants have been able to count on the Office of Assembly Member Epstein and the Loisaida Center to provide them with a Thanksgiving meal. This year 90 of my tenants will have a meal on the table thanks to their generosity” said Baruch Houses Tenant Association President Camille Napoleon.

“Thanks to the generosity of community partners we’re giving two dozen turkeys to the residents of LES III who otherwise might not be able to afford a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with their family this year,” said Sabura Rashid, TA president of Lower East Side III Townhouses.