Food insecurity is a growing concern in Knox County. Recently, organizations like Food For The Hungry, Interchurch Social Services, and the Knox County Foundation joined forces to address this issue by organizing Pop-Up Food Pantries. These events were crucial, especially as delays in SNAP benefits increased demand for food assistance.
By October, rumors of postponed SNAP benefits began circulating. Carolyn Fergus, Director of Interchurch Social Services, noticed a sharp rise in pantry visitors. In 2022, her pantry served about 200 families each month. By 2025, that number skyrocketed to over 700. This spike highlighted the urgent need for community support.
To tackle this challenge, Fergus and her team swiftly planned the first Pop-Up Food Pantry for November 1. With support from various organizations, they organized a large delivery of food. On the day of the pantry, volunteers from local hospitals, colleges, and health organizations came together to set up.
Despite an official opening time of 10 a.m., the pantry welcomed families as early as 8:30. Thanks to the volunteers’ quick actions, they opened an hour early and served 200 households that day. Recipients received items like juice, peanut butter, and frozen meals—each family left with food for three days.
Following this successful event, the team planned another pantry for November 22. Collaborating with local businesses and churches, they prepared to distribute fresh produce and other essential items. On that bright morning, volunteers again showed up in droves. As cars lined up, families received customized boxes of food based on their needs. About 150 families received assistance that day, and the sense of community was palpable.
The efforts weren’t just about food distribution. They also showcased the compassion and teamwork of Knox County residents. Austin Swallow from Food For The Hungry remarked on how volunteers came together seamlessly to support their neighbors, stating, “Everyone we called to help said yes. Everyone!”
Moreover, the need in Knox County is apparent. According to a recent study, 1 in 8 families struggles with food insecurity, a statistic that has risen markedly during economic downturns.
Food For The Hungry is now on a mission to raise $340,000 and gather non-perishable food for its ongoing campaign. The organization aims to distribute these resources among its partners, ensuring continued support for those in need. In fact, they recently awarded $55,000 in grants to local organizations—an unprecedented amount in their history.
For those interested in supporting this cause, more information is available at Food For The Hungry. With collective efforts, the community of Knox County is turning adversity into action, showing that together, they can make a significant difference in the lives of their neighbors.
