KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A woman in South Knoxville has been helping her neighbor’s put food on the table. Katie Esch began running her own makeshift food pantry, right in her front yard.
It started with what she named the ‘Sister Sanctuary Food Bank’ located between her and her sister’s homes. What started as just a piece of plywood across two sawhorses with a few food and clothing items has now evolved into a full-blown community effort.
“I just moved here. So, it’s really fun to become a part of this community in such an impactful way,” said Esch.
‘I want an address, I want a home’: CareCuts of Knoxville helps woman who lost camper in flood
Esch said a TikTok video sparked the idea. During the government shutdown and talk of SNAP benefits, she felt there was no better time to step up. With a background as a pastry chef, she started small by putting out items from her cupboard and posting in the South Knoxville Facebook group…