It’s the final day of Hunger Action Month, and in this month’s blog, we’re letting an incredible group of Hunger Action Heroes do the talking: a handful of our Partner Agencies and the neighbors they serve. Many of our Partner Agencies are food pantries, meaning they are our “boots on the ground” in each of the 18 counties we serve, ensuring the food in our warehouse makes it to the neighbor in need. Out of the 27.3 million pounds of food we distributed in the past year, 23.08 million pounds were dispersed through our Partner Agencies before meeting the tables of East Tennesseans. We couldn’t do what we do without them!
Continue reading as we share words from our Partner Agencies about our work together, specifically through our Food Rescue program, and the hope it has created for our neighbors.
Knoxville Dream Center
“Our mobile food pantries are almost completely dependent upon [Second Harvest’s] Food Rescue [program],” says Charity Harris, Administrative Assistant of Knoxville Dream Center.
“When we started back in 2013, we did not even realize how relatively new this was. We went from two sites to now 10 sites weekly that help provide about 200,000 meals per year. Produce is a top commodity, but the nonperishables are great for our urban communities.”
“Food Rescue has helped us to serve 125 families in our school system over the past year, several of which are coming out of homelessness. Over 80 social workers in our school system look to us for support to serve these families. If Food Rescue did not exist, we would be significantly reduced in our efforts if not completely done.”
Helping Mamas Knoxville
“On behalf of our organization, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Second Harvest Food Bank for their generous support. Thanks to the baby items we received — diapers, wipes, formula, and other essential supplies — we were able to provide comfort and care to the families in our community who need it most.”
“Many of the parents we serve face financial hardship and often struggle to afford even the most basic necessities for their children. The items provided by Second Harvest not only met a critical need but also gave these families a sense of relief and dignity during challenging times.”
“Your commitment to supporting families with young children makes a meaningful difference, and we are incredibly thankful to be one of the many organizations you assist. We look forward to continuing this impactful partnership and spreading hope to even more families in need.”
— Helping Mamas Knoxville Team
Burlington Food Pantry
“Without Matt, our driver, bringing us [Food Rescue] food, somedays our recipients would not get meat in their boxes. [Food Rescue] is the reason some say … ‘you need to go to Burlington Food Pantry. They give you meat and vegetables all the time!’” says Jackie Gallman.
“We serve in what is called the food desert of East Knoxville with many seniors or homeless [people] coming to us because they get small checks or no checks each month; therefore, needing our help with food.”
“[Food] Rescue sometimes brings more than meats and vegetables. There are times we get toiletries, staples, and even food for the senior’s companions (dog or cat).”
“The [Food] Rescue truck is the help that we need for our budget and to give what our recipients need. Without the truck, we would not be able to serve as many families or individuals. “
“Stating our motto in a simple way … We serve with love and understanding, trying to give foods that make meals with leftovers or mix to make tomorrow’s dinner. We want and need [Food] Rescue!!!”
Candleridge Apartments
“Volunteers of America Mid States Candleridge Apartments is so very fortunate to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee for the Food Rescue Food Assistance program. We provide affordable housing for 102 low- and extremely low-income seniors and strive to offer enhanced services to our residents such as reducing food insecurity and reducing monthly costs,” says Lisa T. Neal, Service Coordinator.
“The Food Rescue program has afforded the residents the opportunity to supplement their limited budgets and their grocery options by providing fresh produce, breads, [and] additional proteins through our monthly deliveries. Residents are able to choose from a variety of items, and many have commented that they are able to have healthier foods and try new foods they wouldn’t normally be able to afford.”
“Were it not for this program, many of my residents would not be able to stretch their food dollars across an entire month. Food Rescue allows them to maintain better nutrition and thus remain healthier and independent in their homes.”
“The average age for my community is 76; the average income for each household here is $1400.00 per month. These statistics speak clearly for the need for basic supports for this vulnerable population and how important the Food Rescue program is to meet the basic needs to have healthy food items and address hunger.
“Thank you and Second Harvest [Food Bank] of East Tennessee for all you do to serve our residents! The impacts [of] Food Rescue are so appreciated and so very real.”
Several residents of Candleridge Apartments (and recipients of our Food Rescue program) were generous to share their stories with us.
Names and unit numbers have been removed for privacy.
Today is your last chance to help our neighbors during Hunger Action Month. Click here to see how you can contribute!
Thank you to Delta Dental of Tennessee, who sponsored our education, awareness, and advocacy efforts for the entire month of September!
As we look ahead, the fall season brings holiday activity, family togetherness, and meals shared. Be a Hunger Action Hero year-round to ensure our neighbors have access to the nutrition and fulfillment they deserve: this holiday season, and beyond.