The demand for food assistance has gone up significantly during the pandemic and even more so now that the holiday season is here.

Connecticut Foodshare expects to distribute 50,000 turkeys this Thanksgiving.

The Turkey and Thirty campaign is now underway, and the goal is to raise awareness of food insecurity during the holiday season and beyond while collecting turkeys and raising money. The idea is for people to donate a turkey and make a $30 donation.

Connecticut Foodshare is accepting turkeys at its warehouses at several locations including in Bridgeport at 229 Mountain Grove St.

They're also holding several turkeys drives this week and next week, including two in Milford.

The first drive will be held Thursday at Big Y Supermarket at 150 Boston Post Road from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The second donation drive is Sunday at ShopRite on 935 Boston Post Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Connecticut Foodshare's CEO says the number of food insecure families is at an unprecedented level because of the pandemic and they cannot fulfill their goal of handing out 50,000 turkeys this Thanksgiving without the community's help.

For more information about how to donate online, click here.