The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry will receive a cash donation on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, thanks to runners and walkers in the 11th annual Olivette Turkey Trot. More than 2,000 participants are expected in the 5K event, according to the city of Olivette. The Turkey Trot begins and ends in Stacy Park. Registration is now open, with early bird fees available through Oct. 18.
In 2023, the Olivette Turkey Trot generated $19,254. Each year, 100% of the proceeds from the event go directly to the Kornblum food pantry. Since the inception of the Turkey Trot, it has raised $119,000 for the food pantry. Those funds help the organization provide food and personal care products to 6,000 children, adults and senior every month.
The Kornblum food pantry is the largest food pantry in the St. Louis region, serving people from 72 ZIP codes. It has a far-reach impact on families dealing with food insecurity, according to Mathew DeKinder, communications coordinator at Jewish Family Services, which oversees operations at the food pantry.
“The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry distributed four million pounds of food in 2023, thanks to our volunteers, and donations from grocery stores, food drives and the thoughtful generosity of our supporters,” DeKinder said. “The food pantry provides seven to 10 days of nutritious and fresh food to more than 19,000 families and individuals each year.”
On Thanksgiving morning, the Olivette Turkey Trot will open for packet pick-up at 7 a.m., with the run/walk start scheduled for 8 a.m. More information is available here.
