To combat food insecurity and strengthen family well-being, the community-based organization Congreso held its traditional Thanksgiving Mercado, an initiative that allows families to freely select the food and essential items they need to celebrate the holiday season.
Doris Acevedo, Director of Prevention Services at Congreso, explained that the main goal of the event is to provide support while preserving families’ dignity. “We wanted to make sure families had what they needed for the holidays, while giving them the autonomy to choose the foods they want to feed their loved ones, rather than receiving pre-selected items,” she said.
Mercado was organized as a community space where participants could choose from turkey, gift cards for meat purchases, pigeon peas, sofrito, macaroni and cheese, and a wide variety of fresh vegetables, thanks to partnerships with local providers. “Families can select the vegetables they truly want and will use in their homes,” Acevedo added.
This year, Congreso extended its support into the winter season by including a children’s closet with essential winter items. “As families leave Mercado, they can pick up coats, scarves, and other necessary items for their children,” the director noted, emphasizing the importance of addressing seasonal community needs.
Acevedo also addressed the difficult reality of hunger in the city. “It is very sad that some families do not have food to put on the table or that children go to school hungry. That is why events like this are so important,” she stated. According to Acevedo, the initiative was created after identifying a growing need in the community, reaffirming Congreso’s commitment to responding in a direct and compassionate way.
With programs focused on prevention, health, and family support, Congreso continues to be a vital resource for hundreds of families in Philadelphia, promoting solutions that strengthen the community and generate a lasting positive impact.
For more information: Congreso, 215-763-8870