KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — In the wake of the devastating floods from Hurricane Helene – some local nonprofits gathered to learn more about being prepared and providing for those in need.
Representatives from various nonprofits are learning about the Bishops’ Storehouse in Knoxville. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has operated the storehouse here since 1984. The storehouse gathers food that in many cases is grown and canned on church farms and prepares to share it with those in need.
Claudia Mata from Centro Hispano said she is impressed with the physical setup and with the storehouse’s approach of providing food while also helping those in need get back on their feet.
“I’m surprised to see the things they do. How prepared they are. How much they are helping the community.”
“I love that it’s a program that helps self-sufficiency and not focus on making them dependent on their services –it’s more like it’s more like empowering them,” she said.
The Bishops’ Storehouse provides food to members of the church and non-members in need after they first meet with local bishops and make a plan to become self-sufficient. It also provides food to East Tennessee nonprofits.