KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Looking for a summer food bank near you? Click here.
With Knox County schools closed for the summer, thousands of local children are at risk of missing their next meal. It’s a problem the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee is working to fight.
"We don't want any child in Knoxville, Knox County to go hungry this summer,” said Barbara Kelly, CAC’s executive director.
Every day, for five days a week, throughout the whole summer, employees are up early, cooking, packing and delivering breakfast, lunch and snacks to low-income children.
“Over 5,900 meals will go out of the kitchen today,” said Kelly.
More than 3,000 children are fed a day in the Knox County area. Many, many more in Tennessee receive the needed assistance.
“During the school year, many low and moderate-income children depend on the free and reduced-price meals for the bulk of their nutrition,” explained Kelly. “Then, in the summertime when the school closes kids are still hungry.”
The summer food service program sends meals to 92 different community organizations, parks, and churches. A USDA grant pays for the cost of the food, and the produce and meat are locally-sourced.
"In the school year, you bring the kids to the food. In the summertime we have to take the food to the kids,” said Kelly.
While CAC reaches thousands, only a small percentage of families who qualify for the meals actually participate.
"As much as we do there is still unmet need,” said Kelly. "It’s our challenge to get as much food to as many kids as we can.”
CAC’s summer food program also benefits Knox County food workers who would like a job during the summer.
The organization is looking to add to their food serving sites. Contact them here.
