One October afternoon, Heather Hammond walks into the quiet gym at the Red Bank United Methodist Church. As the head of the Red Bank Community Food Pantry, she juggles many tasks, from coordinating volunteers to securing food donations. Today, she needs to arrange for a pickup of 44 crates of bread.
Every first and third Thursday, this empty gym comes alive. Volunteers set up tables packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, canned goods, and more. It’s a community effort designed to help those in need.
However, a federal government shutdown is looming over Tennessee. Many families rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food. Recent reports indicate that without these funds, families may struggle to buy groceries. The impact will be profound, forcing some parents to choose between paying rent and feeding their children.
Hammond notes the importance of the pantry during these challenging times. “There will be families who have to make tough choices,” she says. To help, the pantry invites people to come on specific days and fill up grocery carts with provided food. No extensive paperwork is needed, just a brief sign-up that includes some basic information.
After gathering groceries, volunteers also offer packed lunches for those in need. Hammond dreams of creating a community garden outside the church to further support local families.
Recent data show that food insecurity rates have increased in recent years. According to the USDA, nearly 10.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2021, and numbers continue to rise, underscoring the critical nature of food assistance programs.
Hammond believes in the resilience of the Chattanooga community. “Chattanooga is unique and beautiful in that way,” she says. Many local groups are working hard to meet the growing demand for food assistance. For those wanting to help, volunteering or donating food can make a real difference.
In the Chattanooga area, many food pantries and mutual aid organizations are stepping up. For instance, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank welcomes volunteers for various tasks. They aim to address the needs of the community and encourage local support.
Other organizations, like the Chattanooga Free Store, provide not just food but also essential items like clothing and hygiene products. Many local grocery stores are also participating in these efforts, such as Gaining Ground Grocery, which partners with local farms to offer fresh produce. They even double EBT points, making fresh food more accessible.
As the community rallies together, the collective efforts of these organizations and their volunteers become crucial lifelines for many families facing food insecurity. Heather Hammond and her team at the food pantry exemplify this spirit of collaboration and compassion.
Through contributions from individuals and local businesses, they are making strides in combating hunger in their community—one packed grocery cart at a time.
