KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Cars lined up outside Faith Promise Church on Saturday as Wellpoint Tennessee gave away 500 turkeys as part of a holiday push to support local families and connect them with wellness resources.
Volunteers said cars began rolling in as early as 6:30 a.m., hours before the giveaway even started. By 9 a.m., the line wrapped through the parking lot as Wellpoint Tennessee and partners like KAPA, Second Harvest, Gordon Food Services, and Faith Promise Church worked together to get families what they need heading into Thanksgiving.
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“We’re looking at over 500 at least families coming through here today. We’re super grateful to be here. The rain has stopped. The sun is out. And so, we’re seeing lots of smiling faces as we greet and hand out this amazing food,” said Rob Patrick, executive director of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation.
Organizers say demand isn’t slowing down. Rising food insecurity has pushed more families to seek help, with pantries reporting “empty cart weeks” when benefits run out early and parents are forced to choose between groceries and other bills…