Knoxville, Tenn. – If anyone needs proof just how tough things have
gotten in East Tennessee all they need to do is talk to the people at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. In the last year an additional 15,000 people per month have found themselves in need of food. That means 145,000 people in need are getting food each month, and the demand is still growing.
Sadly, it’s meant another record year for Second Harvest with the equivalent of 9.5 million meals provided across an 18 county area. That’s almost 13 million pounds of food. 6,450 tons of food have been provided…and simply put, it’s not enough.
“Our partner agencies have been hit hard with so many requests for food. I am happy to say that Second Harvest has been able to dramatically increase the amount of food we were able to provide to our agencies. However, we are learning that the amount of food that is being distributed into the community is still not meeting the full demand for food assistance,” said Elaine Streno, Executive Director of Second Harvest.
Second Harvest Food Bank has been able to handle the increase in demand by working with a network of agency partners such as church pantries, shelters, group homes, community kitchens, schools and many other organizations that serve the needy. With the help of these organizations, the food bank has been fortunate to distribute the record breaking 12.9 million pounds of food throughout 18 counties in East Tennessee.
“And while we are thrilled that more people and businesses are supporting our work it still isn’t enough,” said Streno. “If we can raise more money and purchase more food, we can feed more people. It’s as simple as that. We know things are hard for a lot of people, but we hope those who can will dig a little deeper and help us make sure people aren’t going without food.”
Second Harvest Food Bank will continue to work on increasing the quantity and number of staple products offered to agency partners in an effort to better serve the hungry in our community.
If you are interested in supporting Second Harvest, or work as part of an agency or food bank and are interested in setting up an interview with a Second Harvest representative, please call Elaine Streno at 865-850-4284. For more info visit: www.secondharvestknox.org
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Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, a member of Feeding America, has worked to eliminate hunger since 1982. In 2009, this organization provided food for more than 9.7 million meals in 18 counties in East Tennessee. With 6 major programs and 450 Agency/Food Partners, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee distributes food to more than 145,000 kids, adults and seniors each month.
Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com