NASHVILLE, Tenn. – With school out for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, many families in Middle Tennessee face the challenge of providing extra meals at home, especially when grocery costs are climbing.
To help, Metro Social Services held one of its largest food giveaways ever at Nissan Stadium on Friday. Hundreds of cars lined up early in the morning, eager for support.
“It’s a blessing to see that they’re actually helping people,” said Dinero Stanford, who was waiting in line. Many families expressed gratitude, with Steven Fitzgerald remarking, “Helps a lot.”
Parents noted the timing was crucial, as kids would miss school meals on Monday. “I hope everybody has a blessed day coming through with this giveaway,” said Cecil Lillard, emphasizing the importance of community support.
The event provided essential items designed to help families for several weeks. Metro Social Services reported that they served over 1,000 people. The need for assistance comes as many still cope with the effects of rising prices and changes to SNAP benefits last year.
Renée Pratt, the executive director of Metro Social Services, explained, “With SNAP benefits being cut and children still out of school, families are facing ongoing financial struggles.”
A recent survey showed that over 70% of families in Tennessee are worried about affording enough food. Many are turning to community resources like food drives, which have become lifelines for those in need.
These distributions not only provide food but also strengthen community bonds. In times of crisis, every bit of support helps create a resilient network among neighbors. As food insecurity grows, efforts like this become increasingly vital.
For more information on resources available in your area, you can visit Feeding America, which offers insights into food assistance programs nationwide.
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