The Chattanooga Area Food Bank, which activated its emergency response operations in mid-October, continues to lead a coordinated regional response as the suspension of November SNAP benefits takes effect.
Serving 20 counties across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia, the Food Bank is coordinating large-scale food sourcing and distribution to help stabilize food access during this unprecedented disruption.
As the region’s leading organization in charitable food assistance, the Food Bank acted early to minimize the impact of the government shutdown and SNAP benefit suspension. Through its emergency response plan, the organization is:
- Proactively securing and distributing 30% more food than typical volume, including greater quantities of staple foods, proteins, and fresh produce to strengthen the regional supply chain and ensure consistent distribution
- Extending distribution hours at its pantry sites and supporting partner pantries in expanding their operations to serve more families
- Expanding staffing and volunteer operations to manage higher demand
- Adding mobile pantries to reach areas of greatest need
“We were built to respond in times of crisis,” says Melissa Blevins, President & CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. “This interruption in SNAP benefits is unlike anything our region has faced in years, and families are already feeling the strain. Across our communities, more people are turning to food pantries for help, and the demand continues to climb. Our team and our partners are prepared and working together to make sure food continues to reach every neighbor who needs it.”…