More than 700 turkeys were distributed in Bloomfield Sunday to families impacted by inflation this upcoming Thanksgiving.

It was an ideal day for giving away the turkeys because of natural refrigeration brought on by the day's frigid temperatures.

Mayor Michael Venezia continued a holiday tradition in the city of giving away turkeys and fixings for Thanksgiving dinner to families who may have been priced out by inflation this year. He said 7.6% of city residents are under the poverty line.

"[It] equates to 3,800 people and today 2,400 people will get Thanksgiving dinner," Venezia said. "But if the other 1,400 don't have it, we'll try to make sure they get something from us."

The average cost of a Thanksgiving meal is up over 20% this year, according to analysts.

Venezia said the demand isn't any higher than prior years, but no less appreciated.

"It makes things a little easier, you know, things are tight for everything this year, and it's nice to have a family Thanksgiving dinner," said resident Jimmy Bowden.

Many volunteers from the community, including the police department and Seton Hall University students, filled the bags and loaded trucks.

Six rapid COVID-19 tests were also included in the bags.