Local churches and nonprofit organizations are stepping up to assist those impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown and the temporary halt on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As concerns grow within the community, these organizations are mobilizing to provide essential support.
Churches Respond to Community Needs
At the forefront of this initiative is the Harmony Free Will Baptist Church in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Pastor Brandon Young expressed deep concerns about the uncertainty facing residents. “I think there’s a real fear in the community,” he stated. “Many people feel uncertain about what they will do without their SNAP benefits. I’m grateful to see that numerous nonprofits and churches are already taking proactive steps to formulate a plan.”
The church plans to distribute food boxes containing items suitable for meal preparation. Young emphasized that the initiative would proceed regardless of the SNAP situation. “This money has been earmarked just for the food boxes,” he explained. “Even with SNAP benefits in place, our community has significant poverty levels. Having extra food for families is always beneficial.” Those requiring assistance can reach out to church secretary Khristina Cardwell at [email protected]. Donations can be mailed to Harmony Free Will Baptist Church, 3405 Gap Creek Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643, or made online. The distribution date for the food boxes will be announced soon on the church’s Facebook page.
Community Collaboration and Ongoing Support
In Roan Mountain, the Burbank Free Will Baptist Church is also preparing to distribute food boxes in the coming weeks. Church member Ashley Turbyfill noted that while the impact of the SNAP pause is not yet being felt significantly, it is anticipated that the situation will worsen. “We have had discussions about this in the future,” she said. “I was actually talking to my son about how this is where the church is supposed to step in and help. This is our job, and we’re excited to serve in any way we can.”
The church has a history of distributing food boxes to the community between Thanksgiving and Christmas. After a hiatus last year due to Hurricane Helene, Turbyfill is eager to resume the initiative, particularly given the current government shutdown. Interested individuals can contact her at 423-895-4738 to register for a food box. A Google form for food box requests is also available through Cloudland High School’s Facebook page. Donations can be made directly at Carter County Bank to the church’s joint account.
The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in the area has specified its operating hours, which are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 18:00 to 19:00. To keep the pantry stocked, they are seeking donations of non-perishable items such as canned proteins, dried beans, pasta, rice, and canned fruits and vegetables.
In response to the growing need, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee has activated its emergency plan. According to their social media update, all programs will continue uninterrupted. Individuals in need of food assistance can contact Second Harvest at 865-521-0000 or visit their Get Help page for information on food distribution locations and hours.
Schools Join Efforts to Address Hunger
In addition to his role at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church, Pastor Brandon Young serves as principal of the Carter County Online Academy and the district public relations coordinator for Carter County Schools. He confirmed that the schools are maintaining their efforts to address student hunger. School counselors and social workers are actively monitoring students identified as needing assistance. “They’re always assessing if there is a student or family in need,” Young remarked. “When we identify such needs, we coordinate resources for those families, whether through a church, Second Harvest Food Bank, or another nonprofit.”
Community members are encouraged to report any students or families requiring assistance directly to their schools. “The school will do its utmost to create a plan of action,” Young added.
As the situation evolves, local churches, nonprofits, and schools are demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting those impacted by the federal government shutdown and the pause on SNAP benefits. Through collaboration and community engagement, these organizations are working diligently to ensure that no one goes hungry during this challenging time.
