Written by Spring Valley Turkey Farm
Thanksgiving math is simple: the more you walk in the morning, the more pie you can enjoy at night. And around Old Bridge, there’s no shortage of ways to lace up your sneakers for a good cause.
Here are two turkey trots close to home, plus some easy ways to turn your Thanksgiving into something that helps neighbors who could use a hand at the holiday table.
Thanksgiving Morning: The REPLENISH Turkey Trot and 5K
Middlesex County’s food bank, REPLENISH, and Feeding Middlesex County host a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot and 5K at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy on Thursday, Nov. 26. Runners, joggers and walkers can take on the waterfront, and the event goes on rain or shine. Registration is required and closes Wednesday, Nov. 25. Participants are also asked to bring nonperishable food donations, and proceeds and donations support food assistance for families across the county.
Check the county’s REPLENISH news release for the registration link and the latest details.
The Saturday After: Matawan’s 5K Turkey Trot
If Thanksgiving morning is already spoken for (the turkey won’t baste itself), Matawan Borough hosts its 20th Annual 5K Turkey Trot & Fitness Walk on Saturday, Nov. 28, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Terhune Park on South Street. It’s a friendly way to walk off the leftovers, with a fitness walk option if you’d rather stroll. Visit the Matawan Borough Recreation Department for registration and updates.
Looking for more ways to enjoy the long weekend? Our Thanksgiving weekend bucket list for Old Bridge is packed with ideas.
Helping Neighbors at the Holiday Table
Thanksgiving is the one day of the year when almost everyone’s thoughts turn to the dinner table, and that makes it a good moment to remember that not everyone has a full one. Middlesex County estimates that more than 106,000 residents experience food insecurity, and REPLENISH works year-round with partners in all 25 municipalities.
Here’s how to help:
- Donate food. REPLENISH accepts nonperishable items and basic supplies. Their East Brunswick facility also accepts perishable donations like meat, dairy and produce during operating hours. Call 732-729-0880 first to confirm hours and what they can take.
- Give financially. Online and mailed donations to Feeding Middlesex County let food banks buy exactly what’s needed, including holiday turkeys.
- Bring a bag to the trot. Nonperishable food donations are welcome at the REPLENISH Turkey Trot.
- Check your own neighborhood. Houses of worship, schools, scout troops and community centers often run holiday food drives.
What to Do With That Extra Grocery Store Turkey
Here’s a very New Jersey Thanksgiving problem: many supermarkets run holiday promotions where a free or deeply discounted turkey comes with a minimum grocery purchase. It’s a great deal, until you realize you’re also planning to serve a fresh turkey from a local farm and your freezer looks like a poultry warehouse.
If you end up with an extra, consider passing it on. A food pantry, a neighbor or a local organization may be delighted to have it. A few tips:
- Call before you drop it off. Pantries have limited freezer space and set hours, so confirm that they’re accepting turkeys.
- Keep it frozen and in its original, unopened packaging until you hand it over.
- Hand it to a person. Perishable donations shouldn’t be left unattended in collection bins.
- Check the date. Only donate food you’d serve at your own table.
It’s a small gesture, and for a family planning a holiday meal on a tight budget, it can be the whole centerpiece.
Make It a Tradition
The best Thanksgiving traditions are the ones that get repeated. Sign up for a trot with a few family members, toss a bag of canned goods in the car, and let the kids pick what goes in the donation bin. Do it two years in a row and it officially becomes “what we do.”
Neighbors Feeding Neighbors
At Spring Valley Turkey Farm, community is part of why we do what we do. Supporting local farms, local families and local causes all grow from the same roots, which is something we’ve written about in why local farms matter more than ever in New Jersey.
Whether you’re running a 5K, filling a donation bag or just getting the table ready, we’d love to be part of your Thanksgiving. Reserve your fresh Thanksgiving turkey now and pick it up at Spring Valley Turkey Farm, 402 Spring Valley Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857.
Questions? Call 732-970-5265 or email Turkeys@SpringValleyNJ.com.
Proudly Veteran Owned & Operated.
Fresh • Locally Raised • USDA Processed • Oven-Ready