New state law nearly shuts down Operation Turkey

FELTON, Calif. (KION): After weeks of behind-the-scenes work, Operation Turkey began Thanksgiving morning just like any other year despite a new state law slowing its preparation process.

Each year, Operation Turkey cooks and distributes food to the homeless in Santa Cruz County, plus any residents requesting a thanksgiving meal from the organization.

Andy Wise, the organizer of Operation Turkey in Santa Cruz County, says a state law forced them to change how they cook and prepare food.

The organizers are now required to use a commercial kitchen for their work, while also working with county health officials to make sure they were up to code.

Something Wise says they were unaware of until about three weeks ago.

“Not having a lot of time to get our stuff adjusted was a scary hurdle," says Andy Wise. "Fortunately we were able to work through it."

Tonight at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on KION Newschannel 5/46, we'll hear more about the struggles Operation Turkey organizers faced.