This week, Washington Nationals Philanthropies hosted its biggest Thanksgiving meal distribution to date, giving out 900 turkeys and bags of food during Turkeypalooza presented by BetMGM. Now in its second year partnering with BetMGM, the annual event expanded to include winter hats and gloves in addition to nutrient-dense Thanksgiving meals for residents in need.
In its sixth year, Turkeypalooza has continued to grow, providing families with a turkey as well as a bag of additional food, including shelf-stable items and fresh produce, to help local residents complete their Thanksgiving meals. This year’s distribution delivered more than 3600 complete meals into communities where food access is already a challenge. Nationals and BetMGM employees packed the bags – over 20,000 pounds – at Nationals Park, and Nationals outfielder Stone Garrett joined the effort distributing meals and winter gear at BetMGM Sportsbook.
“Our fans support us all season long, so to give back to the community means a lot, especially during the holiday season,” Garrett said. “Growing up, I saw Matt Kemp stretching, and that’s the moment I knew I wanted to be a big league player,” he continued “so if I can be that for one kid, whether it’s stretching on the field or giving his family a turkey, it means a lot.”
Turkeypalooza is just one way that Washington Nationals Philanthropies works to address the lack of food access in the region. The Academy operates the only year-round farmers market in Ward 7, providing community members with shares of fresh produce at a steeply discounted rate.
“Nationals Philanthropies tackles food insecurity year-round by providing education and supporting improved access to healthy food in Washington, D.C. communities with the greatest need. Disparity in food access is a key driver of hunger in the region, and the strain on access is heightened during the holiday season. Thanks to our continued partnership with BetMGM, we can expand our Thanksgiving meal distribution to help thousands of residents celebrate the holiday with a full meal,” said Tal Alter, Chief Executive Officer of Washington Nationals Philanthropies.
“BetMGM remains committed to investing in the communities where our employees and customers live and work. As the official sportsbook of the Washington Nationals, BetMGM partnered with Nationals Philanthropies last year to expand the foundation’s efforts and open Turkeypalooza to the larger public for the first time. We are proud to continue this important relationship to once again support families in need this holiday season,” said Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer at BetMGM.
