2,500 Aurora families receive free Thanksgiving meals

The city of Aurora Saturday held its sixth pop-up pantry since the pandemic set in, using this one to give away 2,500 meals, complete with a turkey.

"Food insecurity continues to be a significant challenge for our families," Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said in a news release. "As we approach the holiday season, we want to make sure that not only can families have food on the table, but they can rebuild some sense of normalcy as they gather in a safe and limited manner on Thanksgiving."

The effort was a partnership with the Northern Illinois Food Bank and both of Aurora's primary food pantries - the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry and the Aurora Area Food Pantry.