Orioles To Host Turkey Distribution At Ed Smith Stadium

SARASOTA, FL — As part of the club’s ongoing efforts to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Orioles have partnered with All Faiths Food Bank to host a turkey distribution at Ed Smith Stadium on Tuesday, according to a news release from the team. The stadium is located at 2700 12th Street in Sarasota.

All Faiths Food Bank has taken special measures to remove barriers to assistance: no pre-registration is required. The distribution, which includes Thanksgiving groceries and a turkey for each household, will take place in the East Lot and is first come, first served, beginning at 4 p.m. It will continue while the supplies last.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde, catcher Chance Sisco and infielder/outfielder Stevie Wilkerson will assist with the distribution, the release said. The event will also be staffed by All Faiths Food Bank volunteers and staff, as well as members of Orange & Black Gives Back, the Orioles employee volunteer program.

Donate or learn more about the turkey distribution online here.

"We are proud to once again welcome All Faiths Food Bank to Ed Smith Stadium as we continue to work together in the battle against hunger in Sarasota and DeSoto counties,” said Jennifer Grondahl, Orioles senior vice president of community development and communications. “The holiday season creates additional challenges for our neighbors battling food insecurity, challenges that are compounded by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our partnership with All Faiths Food Bank aims to address those challenges by providing critical resources to families in need.”

Physical distancing and no-touch strategies will be observed, as food will be distributed via drive-thru and placed directly into the trunks of cars. Attendees will also receive information about additional Food Bank locations where groceries are available.

All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and the largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the food bank is committed to providing hunger relief to the many families who have been affected by this crisis.

In September, the Orioles partnered with the Food Bank to host a series of four mass food distribution events at Ed Smith Stadium on the second Saturday of each month from September through December. The final events will be held Nov. 14 and Dec. 12, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continuing until food runs out or 11:30 a.m.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.