EASTON, Pa. — An Easton city councilman's annual turkey giveaway for residents in need will be held for a 13th consecutive year.
More than 300 birds will be made available to individuals and families in need at 9 a.m. Nov. 22 at 2nd and Northampton streets, in front of American Printing, Councilman Frank Pintabone said.
This year, turkey prices ran $1.55 to $1.61 per pound. “It’s not cheap.”Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone
Pintabone said he, along with volunteers and other community-minded residents, come together each year to buy those turkeys at a bulk rate to secure a decent price.
But this year, prices ran $1.55 to $1.61 per pound, he said.
“It’s not cheap,” Pintabone said.
At the same time, he said demand has increased substantially, with numerous people contacting him to see if he intended to continue the tradition in 2025.
According to a September outlook report issued by the U.S. Agriculture Department, as reported by CBS News, wholesale prices on frozen turkeys were anticipated to increase 40% — from an average of $0.94 per pound to about $1.32 per pound.
Supply issues because of a reduced demand and avian flu outbreaks could be to blame, according to data from the USDA.
'People are struggling'
Even with some retailers offering promotional pricing — Walmart was selling Butterball turkeys for $0.97 per pound, and grocery chains such as Weis Markets and ShopRite offer free turkey programs — sometimes, the centerpiece of the meal is just too much.
"This year, specifically, with everything so high, people are not getting their SNAP benefits, people are getting laid off, insurance is going high."Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone
“Many people who work every day just don’t have money to pay for a turkey,” Pintabone said.
“And this year, specifically, with everything so high, people are not getting their SNAP benefits, people are getting laid off, insurance is going high… People are struggling.”
And that need is growing, Pintabone said.
He said he anticipates buying another 50 to 100 turkeys to meet anticipated demand, which could make this year's giveaway the biggest yet.
The councilman said he also has spoken with several senior citizens in the city who will not be able to make it out to the event. He said he promised volunteers will drop the turkeys off to their homes in special circumstances.
“People look forward to it, unfortunately," he said. "I wish they didn't have to, but they do. And you know, we provide for those needs," Pintabone said.
"So I will be doing it as long as God allows me to do it."
