Many East Tennesseans have created a positive impact on Second Harvest and our neighbors experiencing food insecurity, but some do so in a unique way you might not expect. Continue reading as we honor the contributions of beloved poet Clayton L. Brewer, who utilized his talent for writing to provide meals for our community.
More than 50 years ago, Clayton L. Brewer was a student at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and began writing poetry during that time. Following his education, he compiled more than 35 books full of poems, many of which are dedicated to his wife Muriel – an instrumental force of encouragement who led to Brewer’s choice to publish his work. One publication, titled “A New Day,” was graciously dedicated to Second Harvest during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the proceeds from each sale donated to the food bank.
“I was watching TV, and these people were in line wanting to get food, so I thought, ‘Well, the least thing I can do is maybe write something about it,’” he said.
“Mr. Brewer’s efforts are clearly from his heart,” said Michael Torano, our Senior Manager of Engagement & Marketing. “Many of the poems in ‘A New Day’ reflect his observations and daily activities during the pandemic. One is even about a truck driver bringing food to a pantry! We are so grateful for his support of our efforts against hunger in our community.”
In “The Truck Driver” Brewer wrote:
He said it was loaded with food for folks in need,
He didn’t know how many people he could feed:
But he said he was trying to do his part,
This action came from the bottom of his heart.
His truck unloaded and the food divided,
For numerous souls a meal provided;
He was so happy a truck driver to be,
So many folks thankful, this young man to see.
Brewer even wrote about broader, conceptual themes relating to hunger, such as in “A Happy Day,” where the ending suggests our situational unawareness towards individuals experiencing food insecurity, and the importance of avoiding assumptions.
A big, black bird was sitting in a tree,
He squawked as if he were talking to me;
He jumped around from limb to limb,
That must be the reason he stays so slim.
I threw some bread crumbs on the ground,
He flew down, not making a sound;
He ate several bites and then flew away,
THANK YOU, he did not even say.
Up in the tree, he calmly sat,
Safe from the neighbor’s wandering cat;
Then he began to shriek and yell,
“Open! Come and eat!” his family and friends he did tell.
“Dinner is served on the ground,”
Several came flying without making a sound;
Soon the food was gone and they all flew away,
I’m sure they’ve now had a much happier day.
Clayton designated all the proceeds from “A New Day” to Johnson Chapel – a pantry in Grainger County and one of our 670+ Partner Agencies. Johnson Chapel now serves around 200 people every month, and even delivers within a 10-mile radius. Click here to find a food pantry near you.
Clayton’s wife, Muriel, passed away in August of 2021, and his generosity continued even through the most difficult and unimaginable of times – he requested that in lieu of flowers, that those who wished to support him would do so by donating to Second Harvest.
Clayton followed his wife just earlier this year in July. We honor his legacy and keep his work alive by sharing its impact on East Tennessee.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Clayton Brewer, a cherished member of our community,” says Rachael Ellis, our Director of Development. “He will be remembered not only for his invaluable contributions to Second Harvest, but his compassion and care for our East Tennessee neighbors experiencing hunger. His tenacity is something I admired about him. I hope those of us who were fortunate enough to receive one of his poetry books will cherish it even more this holiday season.”
Recently, we’ve seen others follow in Clayton’s footsteps by finding unique ways to support Second Harvest. Just last week during our annual Double Your Donation match event, one gentleman doubled the impact of his own donation by putting it towards bacon and selling BLTs at work in support of Second Harvest. He quite literally “brought home the bacon” by delivering the funds to support our hunger relief programs.
We are incredibly grateful for those who are inspired to go the extra mile for our neighbors. Thank you, and Happy Holidays!
To read more stories about impactful members of our East Tennessee community, please visit SecondHarvestETN.org/blog.