The city of Newark held a turkey giveaway Monday afternoon just in time for Thanksgiving. The annual event was held at the Cityplex 12 Theater near Springfield Avenue and Bergen Streets.

Thousands of people began lining up Monday morning to get a turkey. Many said that this year - with the rising cost of food - the giveaway helps make the holiday more affordable.

"Prices are going up, grocery prices are going up, and we just wanna give them something back,” said Amiri Baraka, Jr., chief of staff for the City of Newark.

"I am so happy, because a lot of people are here to get food because a lot of people, they can’t afford the food,” said Newark resident Ibrahima Diallo.

City officials say they gave away more than 3,500 turkey meals through a partnership with Hello Fresh.