ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – In a heartwarming show of community support, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office provided a much-needed boost for hundreds of families by distributing 600 turkeys just ahead of Thanksgiving.

Long before sunrise, vehicles lined the streets outside the sheriff’s Central Operations Center, highlighting the persistent challenges many local families face due to recent government disruptions and delays in food assistance programs like SNAP.

“These events put food on our tables,” expressed one of the early risers in line. “With prices soaring and no food stamps for support, I have to manage on my own. Sometimes, you just have to do what’s necessary.”

Although the government shutdown concluded earlier this month, numerous families are still awaiting the reinstatement of their SNAP benefits, creating a critical gap that local charities, food banks, and law enforcement agencies are striving to address.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina emphasized the significance of this year’s turkey distribution event.

“We organize this annually, but with the recent shutdown and the freezing of benefits, the need is even more pronounced. You can see the gratitude in the people who come here,” Mina remarked.

The sheriff’s office, supported by deputies and volunteers, provided each family with a turkey and a full box of traditional fixings. According to organizers, families began arriving as early as 3 a.m. hoping to secure one of the coveted turkeys or available gift cards.

“More and more people have definitely showed up. With prices rising and paychecks not covering as much, every bit helps,” Mina said.​

Recipients described the event as a vital lifeline during tough times.

“I get food stamps and it’s like this. My kids are grown, but I have grandkids and we’re trying to survive,” one mother said. “But our country, we can’t have all these people working for the government and not doing anything (…) you should work your job and get paid for it.”

If you missed this year’s annual turkey giveaway, the following locations will be handing out food throughout the week.

• Archie Gordon Memorial Park at 420 Buenaventura Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34743

  • Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at 10 a.m.

  • Drive through for a turkey and Thanksgiving meal essentials for Osceola residents.

• Heart of Florida United Way

  • Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

  • Thanksgiving meal essentials and a grocery gift card. Registration is required for (Orange/Osceola/Seminole) residents.

• Solid Rock Community Church at 1904 Michigan Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34744

  • Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at 10 a.m.

  • Turkey giveaway. First-come, first-served.

• Inter&Co Stadium at 655 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32805

  • Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

  • Free turkey with sides. It is first-come, first-served while supplies last.

• Pendas Law Firm at 655 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

  • Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

  • Turkey giveaway.

• Barnett Park Rec Center at 4801 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808