Orange County Food Bank Suffers Turkey Shortage, Needs Donations

GARDEN GROVE (CBSLA.com) — The Orange County Food Bank, which helps a 150,000 people each month, has a turkey shortage for the second year in a row.

According to the food bank, the shortage was due to the loss of a major donor, who had previously contributed each year to buy birds for thousands of families.

"Turkey is kind of that staple that everybody's looking for and then all that trimmings surround that. But people kind of define our success and our ability to meet the needs of the community by how many turkeys we have available," said Mark Lowry, Director of the Orange County Food Bank.

Thousands of families, who wanted turkey, got chicken and tuna instead. But there were some last-minute donations.

"I remember my previous employer, Alta Dena Dairy, gives them to their employees every year. So I called them. They had 14 turkeys left. And they said you're more than welcome to take them to the Orange County Food Bank," donor Nick van Hoodmoed said.

Several Cub Scouts heard about the turkey shortage and took action. "We brought turkey, cranberry sauce and a pot to roast the turkey for the homeless. So they can have a good Thanksgiving," Cub Scout Garrett Laurent said.

It may be too late for Thanksgiving, but the food bank still needs turkey donations for Christmas and Hanukkah.

"With $15,000 already raised, we are seeking another $15,000 in donations so that we can afford enough holiday meals for the families in need," according to a press release.

Click here if you would like to make an online donation or donate by phone by calling (714) 897-6670, ext. 3151.