Knoxville/Knox County resources for food access during the COVID-19 pandemic
In an effort to share information about food access resources in our community, we’ve compiled a list of services and programs that help feed Knox County residents. Each agency or group is the expert on their services, so start there if you have questions about qualifications or costs. You can also call 211 (865-215-4211) with questions.
RESOURCES FOR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
• Two days’ worth of meals (breakfast and lunch) are distributed on Monday and three days’ worth of meals on Wednesday
• Distribution is 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at 38 designated emergency feeding sites via drive-thru or walk-up for children to consume at home
• Children must be present to pick up meals
• No income restrictions
Contact: Knox County Schools: knoxschools.org/mealinfo
Supported by: Great Schools Partnership, Community Action Committee (CAC) Summer Feeding Program, City of Knoxville Parks and Recreations
FOR SENIORS
PREPARED MEALS
Mobile Meals and Senior Nutrition Program
• Must be 60 years old, homebound due physical and mental conditions, and unable to prepare food
• Meals five days a week, including holidays
• No income restrictions
Contact: Community Action Committee (CAC): 865-524-2786 or knoxseniors.org/mobile
GROCERY SHOPPING
Area Stores
• Call area grocery stores for shopping, curbside delivery and home delivery options available at their locations and any associated fees
SCHAS Out Shopping (SOS)
• Provides grocery shopping services for seniors 62 and older who are homebound or unable to leave home due to COVID-19
• Able to use SNAP benefits
Contact: Senior Citizens Home Assistance Services (SCHAS): 865-523-2920 or schas.org/s-o-s-program
INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
FOOD ASSISTANCE
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal program that provides funds to eligible low-income individuals and families to purchase eligible food items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, with an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. Call 1-866-311-4287 or apply online at tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.html
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Call the Knox County Health Department at 865-215-5016 or visit knoxcounty.org/health/wic.php.
FOOD PANTRIES*
• Check the availability and hours of area food pantries and possible delivery of emergency food by contacting the Compassion Coalition, 865-251-1591 compassioncoalition.org .
SALVATION ARMY
• Salvation Army is providing a variety of services to qualifying individusals. Learn more at salvationarmyknoxville.org or by calling 865-971-4907
LOCAL FOOD
• Several, but not all, area farmers markets accept SNAP and offer Double Up Food Bucks for SNAP customers.
• The opportunity to preorder and prepay for pick-up is available from many individual farmers and providers.
Contact: Nourish Knoxville, nourishknoxville.org
865-805-8687
COLLEGE STUDENTS
Area colleges are working with their students to make sure all have access to food.
• University of Tennessee: UT Basic Needs Coalition - follow on Twitter twitter.com/SbncUtk or Facebook facebook.com/sbncutk
• Pellissippi State College - Pellissippi Pantry -pstcc.edu/advocacy/pantry.php or call 865-539-7346
HOMELESS
• Area homeless service organizations such as Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC) www.vmcinc.org and Knox Area Rescue Mission karm.org are providing food, with support from the Knox County Association of Baptists.
• Individuals and groups that want to help homeless individuals are encouraged to work with organizations rather than establishing impromptu food/meal donation events
* Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is a supplier that partners with non-profit agencies, including many listed here as part of our food supply chain, and are not listed as a direct person-to-person provider.