Standing Together: Addressing the Hunger Crisis in Tennessee
Our neighbors are hungry. Right here in Tennessee, families are making impossible choices between paying bills and putting food on the table. As Knoxville Democrats, we believe in the fundamental right of every person to have access to nutritious food.
The Current Crisis
In November 2025, Tennessee families faced an unprecedented food security emergency. The federal government shutdown disrupted SNAP benefits for over 690,000 Tennesseans, leaving vulnerable families without their expected nutrition assistance at the start of the month. While partial benefits were eventually issued starting November 12, households received only 65% of their usual amount, forcing families to stretch limited resources even further.
The impact in Knoxville has been severe. According to Feeding America, 1 in 6 Tennesseans face hunger, and United Way of Greater Knoxville reported an immediate spike in requests for food assistance following the November SNAP disruption.
These are our neighbors, our children's classmates, our mature community members who worked hard their entire lives. As the need continues to grow, local food pantries and programs are working overtime to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
How You Can Help
Join Democrats every fourth Saturday at FISH.
Sign up to volunteer with Knox Dems this Saturday, November 22 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Fish Hospitality Pantries: 122 W. Scott Ave. Knoxville, TN. Get more information on their website.
If you're able to donate, please consider supporting these critical organizations serving Knox County:
Every dollar and every volunteer hour makes a difference in keeping our neighbors fed.
Food insecurity can happen to anyone. Economic hardship, medical emergencies, job loss, or unexpected expenses can quickly put families in crisis. There is strength in community, and there is dignity in asking for help when you need it.
Resources for Those Experiencing Hunger
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please know that help is available. You are not alone, and there is no shame in seeking support. These programs exist to help our community:
Food Assistance Programs in Knox County:
SNAP - Tennessee Department of Human Services
Location: 2700 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 200
Phone: 865-594-6151
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
WIC - Knox County Health Department
Location: 140 Dameron Ave.
Phone: 865-215-5030
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Serves women who are pregnant or had a baby in the past 6 months; breastfeeding moms who had a baby in the past 12 months; infants; and children up to age 5
USDA Commodity Boxes - CAC Nutrition Services
Three Knox County Locations
Phone: 865-546-3500
One box of shelf stable food items distributed every other month
For Adults Age 60+
Mobile Meals and Mobile Affordable Meal Service
Knox County CAC Office on Aging
Location: 2247 Western Ave.
Phone: 865-524-2786
Mobile Meals has eligibility requirements and an in-home assessment. Must call to complete these for service.
Additional Resources:
211 Crisis Hotline - Dial 211 to reach the Knox County Crisis Hotline and Information Center
Compassion Coalition Connection Point Call Center - Call 865-251-1591, ext. 1
For more information about food assistance programs in Knox County, contact the Knox County Health Department Community Health Office at 865-215-5170 or email nutrition@knoxcounty.org
