barack_obama_thanksgiving.jpgWASHINGTON (AP) -President Barack Obama is continuing an annual family tradition by helping to pack bags of food and distribute them to the needy on Thanksgiving eve.

Obama, his wife, Michelle, daughters Malia and Sasha and his mother-in-law, Marian Robinson, on Wednesday dropped in on the Capital Area Food Bank, one of the largest serving the Washington area.

They dropped bundles of sweet potatoes, onions, carrots and apples into reusable bags people held open as they walked by. They also handed out small white boxes stamped with the presidential seal that contain M&M's candy.

Obama wished people a "Happy Thanksgiving,'' and Malia shook their hands.

It's the third straight Thanksgiving that Obama and his family have helped out at this particular food bank.

Obama was spending the holiday at the White House.