"We just thank God to be receiving the gift we are receiving," Budina Smith said in line.
They braved cold and foggy weather to be there.
"We are freezing out here," Smith said, bundled up.
Volunteers handed out turkeys, cheese and almonds to 500 people.
We're told some people were lined up as early as midnight to 6 am, even though the gates didn't open until 11 am.
Budina Smith was one of the first in line at 6:30 am, ensuring she got a turkey after struggling to get food on the table.
"It's very hard. I work two jobs, and it's still hard. You can barely get your bills paid," Smith explained.
Many in line are expressing similar hardships.
"It's hard for me as a single parent to find food right now," Trecie Stockton said as she waited for the food.
Some say it's been more difficult this year as they went without SNAP benefits during part of the government shutdown.
"It was very hard," Lupe Luna stated while in line. "I didn't know what to do, where to go for resources or help for food."
All grateful to get help feeding their families on Monday.
"It took a lot of relief off," Luna said about the food giveaway.
This giveaway has been a tradition for around 30 years. It's put on by Greg Hostetler in memory of his late wife.
"It's an honor to be here and do this to give away," Hostetler stated. "We only live once, and it's a great thing to give. My wife told me a long time ago, 'living is giving.'"
There will be another turkey giveaway at the Los Banos Fairgrounds on Tuesday at 11 a.m. for an additional 500 people.
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