Now, those waiting for a warm meal at local food banks and shelters look a bit different than in years past.
Live holiday music filled Papa Mike's Cafe at the Poverello House on Wednesday as hundreds from across the city lined up to enjoy a warm plate at this year's Grand Thanksgiving Buffet in downtown Fresno.
"Today we've seen over a 20 percent increase of people coming for meals compared to last year -- just as families try to get back to normal after the shutdown," said Zack Darrah, Poverello House CEO.
Last year, the nonprofit served 600 individuals and this year that number increased to 700.
"Today we actually saw a huge increase of families coming through the door for a Thanksgiving meal that wouldn't be able to feed their families otherwise," said Darrah.
Darrah explains what normal looks like for Valley families and those still struggling in a post-shutdown reality.
"There's more month than there is money; more month than there are benefits. So for many of the families we serve here at the Poverello House, "normal" is a life impacted by poverty," said Darrah.
Since Sunday, the nonprofit has worked to prep one hundred turkeys and one hundred honey-glazed hams as well as other classic dishes.
"Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, stuffing, a beautiful fruit table and I think we have five kinds of pie," said Darrah.
The execution to deliver a traditional Thanksgiving feast with all the fixings is no small feat.
"We've put in a lot of work. It's been a lot of brainpower, a lot of planning, a lot of hours in the kitchen," said Ashley McPherson, who works as the Executive Chef for the nonprofit.
Darrah says the Poverello House will continue its mission despite lapses in government funding.
"No matter what, we have to find ways to do more with less, to serve every person and try to meet the growing need every day and we will find a way to do that," said Darrrah.
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