MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — As colder weather approaches, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is calling on the community to “outnumber hunger” in the 18 counties the food bank serves.
With fall underway, Second Harvest is already thinking of the winter, especially as the challenges for food-insecure households have been increasing.
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The latest Map the Meal Gap survey from Feeding America says that 213,970 East Tennesseans, including 50,460 children, struggle with food insecurity. Compared to the previous two years, Second Harvest said that the number is a 33% increase, driven by the rising cost of goods and other economic factors.
The map currently lists a 15.9% food insecurity rate, with the average meal costing between $3 and $3.99. For every dollar donated, Second Harvest provides three meals, its website said.
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“Over the last year, Second Harvest distributed 27.3 million pounds of food – including 7.3 million pounds of fresh produce,” says CEO of Second Harvest Elaine Streno. “While that’s the equivalent of 22.8 million meals, we’re still not meeting all of nutrition needs of our community. That’s why local support is so important as winter approaches. We believe that no one in East Tennessee should have to decide between paying the heating bill or putting food on the table.”…