Loving Your Neighbor During the SNAP Crisis

As November begins, more than 690,000 Tennessee neighbors face an urgent crisis. Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, SNAP food assistance benefits will not be available this month. Beyond the headlines - this affects real families in East Tennessee. Families who typically receive around $340 monthly to help feed their children now face empty cupboards and impossible choices between groceries and keeping the lights on.

Politics is messy right now. Washington feels broken. But our mission isn't to wait on a vote to solve the problem. And we don't argue about who's to blame. Jesus didn't check voting records or wait on the Roman Empire when He fed the five thousand. If we really want to reflect Jesus, we need to see hungry neighbors and act.

The book of James tells us that faith without action is dead. If we see a brother or sister who needs food and clothing and just say "Go in peace, be warm and filled," but don't actually help meet those needs, what good is faith? (James 2:16-17) This crisis gives us an opportunity to be the church Monday through Saturday, not just on Sunday.

Our Partner Organizations

The good news is that many local organizations that Faith Promise supports financially have been preparing for this moment. If you know someone in need of immediate assistance, please refer them to these partners.

These groups have the infrastructure and experience to efficiently distribute food to those who need it most. If you're able to, please consider donating food to these established ministries that are already on the front lines:

FeedTN
FeedTN is a faith-based coalition of organizations providing necessities across the state.

Second Harvest Food Bank:
Second Harvest has been serving East Tennessee with food assistance for decades across eighteen counties. Find the food bank nearest you with this locator.

Knox County:
List of Food Services can be found using this link. (Aquí es la guía en español.)

Nourish Knoxville:
This is a list of farm stores offering support. Click here to read the online guide to services.

Food Banks By County:
Bearden UMC Food Pantry
FISH Pantries of Knox County
Food Pantries - Anderson County
Food Pantries - Blount County (1 of 3)
Food Pantries - Blount County (2 of 3)
Food Pantries - Blount County (3 of 3)
Food Pantries - Compassion Coalition (East TN)
Food Pantries - Knox County
Food Pantries - Sevier & Jefferson Counties

Knox County Schools Food Distribution List:
Click here for a list of services.

CAC Free Food Distribution (Nov 8th):
Click here for more information.

Wellpoint Thanksgiving Drive-Thru Food Drive (Nov 22nd):
Click here for more information.

Being the Church

However, these partner organizations of ours are just the beginning. The early church in Acts didn't just send donations - they shared their meals. They opened their homes. They made sure no one among them went without. This is our opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in East Tennessee.

Consider what you can personally do this month:

  • Buy an extra bag of groceries and deliver it to a neighbor who depends on SNAP.

  • Invite a struggling family to share Sunday dinner.

  • Check in with single parents. Watch their kids while they visit the food bank. Or send a text asking specifically what they need right now.

Sometimes, people are embarrassed to ask for help. Be specific when offering. "I'm making a big pot of chili this weekend and would love to bring you some" works so much better than "Let me know if you need anything." Some have been blessed with abundance. This is the moment to be a blessing. Others have known hunger themselves. That compassion and understanding are gifts too. We all have something to offer the mission of the Church.

Jesus said whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. This moment is about recognizing Christ in the face of hungry neighbors and responding with the same love we've received. We can take ground back from the enemy every single day, not just on Sundays. Let's be the light on the hill Jesus talked about. Let's shine brightly with practical, generous love for our neighbors in need!