Second Harvest Invites East Tennessee to Outnumber Hunger on Hunger Action Day, Sept 29th 

New data from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study underscores the ongoing struggle many East Tennessee families face in putting food on the table. The report found that more than eight in ten counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are rural or located in the South. Additionally, nearly half of all individuals experiencing food insecurity, approximately 25 million people nationwide, have incomes above the eligibility threshold for federal nutrition assistance, leaving many families caught in the gap between earning a paycheck and meeting basic needs.

But Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is calling on the local community to Outnumber Hunger on Hunger Action Day, Tuesday, September 29.

“Every day, we see the impact hunger has on our neighbors,” said Rachael Ellis, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. “Hunger Action Day is an opportunity for our community to come together and make a meaningful difference. Whether you volunteer, donate, advocate for those facing food insecurity, or simply help raise awareness, every action moves us one step closer to ensuring no one in East Tennessee slips through the gaps.”

The challenges for food insecure households in East Tennessee continue to intensify. According to Feeding America’s most recent Map the Meal Gap survey, 229,980 East Tennesseans, including 60,181 children, struggle with food insecurity. This represents a 30% increase over the past five years, driven by rising cost of food, fuel, and other economic pressures, continuing to place a strain on working families, seniors, and children who often have to skip meals to get by.

“Hunger doesn’t always look the way people expect, but it’s a daily reality for thousands of children, families, and seniors across East Tennessee,” said Shelley Ellis, Chief Impact Officer at Second Harvest. “Programs like Food for Kids and Food Rescue allow us to respond in practical ways. From helping a child have enough to eat over a school break to recovering fresh food from local businesses that would otherwise be thrown away, we’re working to make sure our neighbors have dependable access to nutritious food.”

As part of Hunger Action Month, Second Harvest encourages community members to participate in Hunger Action Day on September 29 by wearing orange, the color of the movement to end hunger. Participants are invited to share photos on social media wearing orange and tag the food bank to help raise awareness and inspire others to join the cause.

“Something as simple as wearing orange can start important conversations about hunger in our communities,” Rachael Ellis said. “When people see their friends, coworkers, neighbors, and local leaders taking action, it reminds them that ending hunger is a cause that takes all of us working together.”

For more information about Hunger Action Month, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, visit SecondHarvestETN.org/HAM

Second Harvest’s full Annual Report can be found here: SecondHarvestETN.org/financial-information/  

And more information about Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap survey can be found here: map.feedingamerica.org/county/2024/overall/tennessee