SLO Food Bank has officially launched the annual Turkey Trot, but this year, it is virtual.
Historically, the SLO Food Bank has hosted 2-mile walks, and 5-mile runs in Avila Beach and in Pismo Beach. As many as 1,500 people gathered to inspire one another to be grateful for the meal they would enjoy later in the day and to raise money for those who are not as fortunate.
This year, everyone interested can still register for the Turkey Trot taking place at 8:30am on Thanksgiving morning by registering online at slofoodbank.org. Participants are encouraged to complete a walk, run or hike on their own or with family and closest friends at a location of their choice, or simply participate in spirit.
Everyone who registers will receive one event t-shirt and one pair of DryMax socks. Both items can be picked up on Friday, November 20, from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Cuesta College North County Campus (2800 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Robles) or at the SLO Food Bank warehouse (1180 Kendall Road, San Luis Obispo). To ensure that participants receive their preferred t-shirt size, they are encouraged to register by October 29, however, registration for the event will be open until Thanksgiving morning.
Great prizes await the participants of the Turkey Trot. Everyone who registers will enter a raffle for a chance to win one of five $50 Running Warehouse gift cards. Selfie enthusiasts are encouraged to post their picture on the official fundraising page or their team page for another chance to win one of five $50 Running Warehouse gift cards. And a $100 Running Warehouse gift card will be raffled off to everyone who fundraises $250 or more on their team page.
All proceeds raised will provide Holiday meals to families in need. The SLO Food Bank can quadruple one dollar’s purchasing power through bulk purchasing agreements, gleaning operations, donations, grants, and other programs. Every donated dollar provides seven nutritious meals to those grappling with hunger.
This annual event creates awareness about food insecurity in our community and raises vital funds to provide nourishment and cheer to individuals and families during the Holidays. Participants can create a team or an individual fundraising page to share with their friends and family easily. SLO Food Bank themed incentive prizes are available for certain fundraising milestones but can also be forfeited to have the entire fundraising effort purchase holiday meals.
For more information about this year’s Turkey Trot, visit slofoodbank.org or contact Claire Levine at [email protected] or call 805-238-4664.
About the SLO Food Bank: The SLO Food Bank is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, serving all of San Luis Obispo County through its direct food programs and network of agency partners. The SLO Food Bank’s mission is to alleviate hunger in San Luis Obispo County and build a healthier community. The SLO Food Bank distributes an average of 4 million pounds of food per year to help our neighbors struggling with hunger. Nearly half of the distributed food is fresh produce, including produce harvested locally by the GleanSLO program. Prior to the pandemic, one in six SLO County residents was food insecure. Since the pandemic, hunger in SLO County has more than doubled, and the SLO Food Bank remains in front of this accelerating and tragic reality. To learn more about the work done by the SLO Food Bank throughout San Luis Obispo County, please visit www.slofoodbank.org.