Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and traditions. For 33 years, the YMCA Pittsburgh Turkey Trot presented by UPMC Health Plan has been one such cherished tradition, bringing together families, friends, and individuals from all walks of life to celebrate the spirit of giving. But have you ever wondered about the profound impact your participation in the Turkey Trot has on families and those in need in our community? Let's dive deep into the heart of this event and discover how your every step creates ripples of positive change.
The Origins of a Giving Tradition
The Pittsburgh Turkey Trot, which began in 1991, has a history steeped in community spirit. It traces its roots back to a race with just six runners in Buffalo, NY, in 1896. Fast forward to today, and Thanksgiving Day has become synonymous with turkey trots, with over 1,000 races held across the nation.
Addressing Food Insecurity
The heartbeat of the Pittsburgh Turkey Trot lies in the YMCA’s commitment to combating food insecurity. The event's proceeds directly benefit the YMCA's food pantry programs and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Together, they form a lifeline for thousands of individuals and families who face hunger daily. Did you know …
- Every $1 donated can provide up to three meals worth of food?
- The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank network annually distributes 31 million pounds of food (that’s more than 42 million meals!)?
- That according to Feeding America, 1 in 10 of our neighbors is living with food insecurity in the 11-county area the food bank serves?
- That the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank serves 35,790+ people every month?
Stories of Change
The Domino Effect of Giving
When you lace up your running shoes on Thanksgiving morning and join the Turkey Trot, you become part of something much bigger than a race. Your registration fee and donations set in motion a domino effect of generosity. Here's how it works:
- Your Registration Matters
Every registration, whether for the one-mile race, 5K, 5-mile race, or the Double Gobble challenge, makes a difference. Families, individuals, and friends come together to support the cause, one step at a time. - The YMCA's Food Pantry Programs
Since March 2020, the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh has distributed more than 80 tons of food in local neighborhoods as part of its work with the food bank and other local partners to fight food insecurity in our region. - The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is about so much more than putting food boxes into people’s trunks. “Our work is about all of us coming together to meet the needs of our neighbors where and when they need us.” The Food Bank works with a network of 1,000+ partner agencies across the 11 counties it serves to not only make sure no one has to go hungry, but also to stabilize lives and confront issues of chronic hunger, poor nutrition and health. Learn more about the Food Bank’s impact here. - Feeding Our Neighbors
Every day, thousands of our neighbors turn to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for help with food. Ending hunger takes all of us working together -- food pantries and meals programs, schools, volunteers, donors, grocery stores, and regional distribution partners. 6,900 volunteers donating more than 70,000 hours help organize 125,900 pounds of community food drive donations and 18.4 million pounds of rescued food. - Your Ripple Effect
As you cross the finish line, your contribution ripples outward, nourishing families and individuals in need. The funds raised support vital food distribution programs, ensuring that no one in our community goes to bed hungry.
Your Invitation to Join the Ripple
This Thanksgiving, consider being a part of the Turkey Trot's ripple effect. When you register and run, you join a community that cares deeply about making a difference. You become a symbol of hope for those facing food insecurity.
Run, Walk, and Make a Difference: Join the Ripple!
