New London — The Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center is 400 turkeys short of its goal of providing 2,300 families and community meal sites with Thanksgiving dinner this year.

According to the United Way, one out of every six children in southeastern Connecticut is “food insecure,” meaning they have limited access to food and they do not know when or where they’ll get their next meal.

To help provide a nutritious meal and a Thanksgiving celebration, the center is seeking donations for families and individuals.

Last year, the center distributed 1,910 turkeys. This year’s goal is 2,300 turkeys, plus donations of stuffing, cranberry sauce and canned vegetables.

Organizations and individuals can bring items — nothing in glass containers — to the food center at 374 Broad St., New London, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or they can call ahead at (860) 444-8050.

The center provides food and household items to nearly 100 free food distribution sites throughout New London County including shelters, food pantries, after-school programs, day care centers, community meal sites and programs for the elderly.

In 2012, the center helped to feed more than 20,000 people each month.

The center is a Partner Distribution Organization (PDO) with the Connecticut Food Bank in East Haven.