"In 2002, nearly two decades after first opening Two Star Market in Oakland's Dimond District, the Alawdi family was cooking up a way to bring people together over food and give back to the community that had embraced the neighborhood grocery store. They drew inspiration from current owner Farouq Alawdi's grandfather, who, back in Yemen, would invite people into his home for a meal throughout the month of Ramadan, taking it as an opportunity to serve others."
"The first year, they cooked 20 turkeys and, at most, 50 people showed up. Since then, the event has kept growing, simmering into something richer each year. Last year, they cooked 100 turkeys, served over 1,000 plates, and some 600-700 people attended. This year, the 23rd installment of the Thanksgiving feast, they are expecting more than 1,000 people and are collecting donations and items to make it the largest event yet."
Two Star Market started a free community Thanksgiving feast in 2002 to bring neighbors together and give back. The event draws inspiration from family Ramadan hosting traditions from Yemen. The Alawdi family chose Thanksgiving to welcome the wider community and received help from the Dimond Improvement Association, neighbors, and customers. Attendance grew from about 50 people the first year to hundreds; last year the market cooked 100 turkeys, served over 1,000 plates, and hosted roughly 600–700 attendees. The 2025 feast is set for Nov. 27, noon–4 p.m. at 2020 MacArthur Boulevard, remains free, and is funded mainly by Two Star Market with added donations and nonprofit partners.
Read at The Oaklandside
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