Pasadena’s Union Station Faces Turkey Shortage As Need Increases Significantly

Union Station Homeless Services is confronting its most significant Thanksgiving turkey shortage in five decades, raising the possibility that some Pasadena residents in need could be turned away from the nonprofit’s annual holiday program, according to an official at the nonprofit.

The organization, which begins its Turkey Drive today, reported a projected shortfall of 725 turkeys as of Sunday. Union Station requires 975 turkeys to meet demand for more than 8,000 meals this year.

The shortage comes amid a surge in need. Union Station caseworkers have reported a 300 percent increase in emergency food requests since federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits were withheld, according to Tian Martinez, the nonprofit’s associate director of marketing and communications. Chief Executive Katie Hill said in an Oct. 27 statement to Globe Newswire that Union Station anticipates a 300 percent increase in demand for food pantry boxes.

Union Station’s annual Dinner in the Park, scheduled to begin Nov. 19, expects to serve more than 8,000 meals. Volunteer manager Audree Ho said the organization served more than 7,000 meals last year.

Despite the turkey shortage, volunteer interest has surged. Ho described an “outpour of volunteer inquiries” in a Nov. 13 interview, a reversal from previous years when the organization struggled to fill kitchen shifts. She attributed the surge to “federal budget cuts to different specific programs,” saying many people are eager to support in the ways they can. Registration, which opened Oct. 31, has nearly reached capacity.

Donations are being accepted Nov. 17–18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Union Station Adult Center, 412 S. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena. Turkeys can also be dropped off daily from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Adult Center or at the administrative office, 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Union Station has shifted Dinner in the Park from its former large gathering at Central Park to a no?contact pickup program, though Ho emphasized volunteers remain essential. The nonprofit has also secured new support, including a partnership with live?streaming platform Bigo Live, which pledged to match donations from its content creators through an initiative called Grateful Streams. Other backers include Justice Law Corporation, Whittier Trust and the Kardashian Jenner family.

Limited volunteer openings remain for shifts Nov. 17–26. Ho specified openings on Monday, Nov. 17, from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., with similar slots available Tuesday, Nov. 18, and Thursday, Nov. 20. Turkey preparation help is needed Friday, Nov. 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and meal packaging assistance is needed Wednesday, Nov. 26.

“Unity is a theme that defines this year’s Dinner in the Park,” Martinez said. “Our community has proven time and again that it will show up, especially when we need it the most.”

Meal kits will be distributed Nov. 19 at the Adult Center, with sit?down meals provided at eight facilities, including Centennial Place and Heritage Square South. After Thanksgiving, Union Station will host its annual Holidays at the Station event, which seeks donations of toys, books and gift cards for families.

Those interested in volunteering can register online at ushs.org/dip25 or call Audree Ho at (626) 240-0720. Sponsorship inquiries may be directed to Venice Dunn at (626) 944-0032, and general questions to Martinez at (626) 977-4350.