Aldine ISD hosts sixth annual Healthy Fall Festival with turkey giveaway

Who's involved

• Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney · Superintendent of Aldine ISD^[1]
• Ruth Hafoka · Chief human resources officer at Equality Health and Equality Health Foundation board member^[1]
• LaTashia Abrams · FACE executive director^[1]
• Nancy Gauthier · Specialist with Aldine ISD's FACE Department^[1]

The facts

1. The festival will be free admission and will distribute 1,000 free turkeys and 10,000 pounds of fresh produce, while supplies last, on a first-come, first-served basis.^[1]
2. The festival is expected to draw more than 30 sponsors, community organizations, nonprofits, and health partners.^[1]
3. Services and activities will include free immunizations, vaccines and flu shots, health education sessions, health screenings, healthy bag giveaways, raffles, family-friendly entertainment, and information about community services and resources.^[1]
4. Families must visit with event exhibitors to receive a healthy bag containing produce and a turkey, with a limit of one bag and one turkey per family.^[1]
5. During the 2025 festival, organizers welcomed approximately 3,000 community members, and Equality Health Foundation provided more than 500 health screenings.^[1]
6. Equality Health Foundation has sponsored the event for six years.^[1]

Who said what

• Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, superintendent of Aldine ISD When we support the health and well-being of our families, we help strengthen the entire community. The Healthy Fall Festival brings people together around something that matters to all of us: making sure families have access to the resources, nutritious food, and connections they need to thrive.^[1]
• Ruth Hafoka, chief human resources officer at Equality Health Health starts at home around the kitchen table. For six years, with the support of community partners, this festival has made a simple promise: Whatever your coverage or circumstances, you will find care, healthy food and people who want to help connect you to community resources.^[1]
• LaTashia Abrams, FACE executive director The Healthy Fall Festival is one way we help families connect with resources that support their well-being. By bringing health services, nutritious food and community organizations together in one place, we make it easier for families to find support and build connections that can benefit them throughout the year.^[1]
• Nancy Gauthier, specialist with Aldine ISD's FACE Department When families have access to nutritious food, health services, and trusted community resources, it can make a meaningful difference in their lives. This festival brings those resources together in one place and reminds families that they have a community ready to support them.^[1]