Video: Hundreds Line Up For Free Turkeys From United Healthcare

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) — Nearly 200 local families have their Thanksgiving turkey and some fresh produce, thanks to a health insurance company.

They began lining up before noon at the Link Centre for the turkey giveaway, sponsored by United Healthcare.

Inside, workers were making sure frozen turkeys and bags of fresh produce were ready.

It’s part of the “Farm to Form” program which addresses unhealthy eating habits and obesity in Mississippi.

“We saw some health disparities that could be easily rectified by giving out fresh produce, got to start eating healthy sometime, somehow,” said Kobie Wells, with United Healthcare.

The turkey giveaway was for United Healthcare Community Plan members enrolled in the CHIP and MissippiCAN programs.

Participants were also able to see if they were up to date with wellness screenings. It is a big part of preventative healthcare, which saves everyone money.

“We are trying to change the scope of our health issues here in Mississippi, we rank 50th in the nation for overall poor health, that’s not a good number of course,” Wells said.

Those on the receiving end were thankful for the wellness checks and the food.

“It actually means a lot, we can actually have a Thanksgiving dinner now, instead of wondering how we can have one, because my mom is struggling. I’m looking to work for an electrician or building houses,” said Tupelo resident Damian Pointer.

By two o clock all the turkeys and produce were gone, it was advertised as a first come, first served opportunity. United Healthcare will hold similar outreaches around the state through next Tuesday.

United Healthcare uses the LinkCentre as a base to hand out fresh produce each spring through its “Farm to Fork” program.