The San Antonio Food Bank is preparing for one of its busiest Thanksgivings, hosting its annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thursday morning and a special holiday lunch for residents at the Haven for Hope campus later in the day. Both events aim to raise funds and provide hot meals to those in need, with volunteers and staff coordinating across downtown and at the Food Bank’s Old Highway 90 facility to manage pre-holiday distributions and race logistics.
Turkey Trot returns to the H‑E‑B Arsenal
The 16th annual Turkey Trot 5K Run & Walk is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving at the Commander’s House at the H‑E‑B Arsenal, 622 S. Flores St., according to the San Antonio Food Bank. Registration fees will go toward providing turkeys for families, and organizers expect about 6,000 participants this year. The Food Bank also provided information on packet pick-up times, parking, and a route that passes by downtown landmarks.
Feeding downtown residents at Haven for Hope
After the Turkey Trot concludes, the San Antonio Food Bank’s culinary team will focus on preparing and serving a Thanksgiving lunch to hundreds of residents at the Haven for Hope campus, starting around 11 a.m., according to KENS 5. Haven for Hope’s intake and volunteer center is located at One Haven for Hope Way, and the campus regularly partners with the Food Bank for holiday meal services. Volunteers and corporate partners typically assist on site to help the operation run smoothly.
Pickup, packet pick-up and volunteer info
The San Antonio Food Bank has been offering curbside pantry pickups at its Old Highway 90 location ahead of the holiday, with available slots on November 25 and 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Packet pick-up dates and volunteer registration for the Turkey Trot are available on the Food Bank’s website, and organizers encourage participants to register in advance to reduce congestion on race day.
Why these holiday actions matter
Local reports indicate that these events serve a larger purpose beyond tradition, addressing growing demand for emergency food assistance in Bexar County amid changes to federal benefits and other support programs, according to the San Antonio Express-News. Organizers are encouraging donations and volunteer participation to maintain services throughout the holiday season and beyond.
