Food Access in Knoxville/Knox County
Resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic
In an effort to share information about food access resources in our community, we’ve compiled a list of services and programs that help feed Knox County residents. Each agency or group is the expert on their services, so start there if you have questions about qualifications or costs. You can also call 211 (865-215-4211) or visit
tn211.mycommunity.com with questions.
RESOURCES FOR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN |
• Two days’ worth of meals (breakfast and lunch) are distributed on Monday and three days’ worth of meals on Wednesday
• Distribution is 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at 38 designated emergency feeding sites via drive-thru or walk-up for children to consume at home
• Children must be present to pick up meals
• No income restrictions
Contact: Knox County Schools:
knoxschools.org/mealinfo
Supported by: Great Schools Partnership, Community Action Committee (CAC) Summer Feeding Program, City of Knoxville Parks and Recreations
Pandemic EBT Benefits (P-EBT) - Financial assistance is available for families that qualify for free and reduced school lunches, including children ages 3 and 4 who attended pre-kindergarten who were eligible for free/reduced lunch. Application period for this program ends July 27, 2020.
More Information |
Apply Online
PREPARED MEALS
Mobile Meals and Senior Nutrition Program
• Must be 60 years old, homebound due physical and mental conditions, and unable to prepare food
• Meals five days a week, including holidays
• No income restrictions
Contact: Community Action Committee (CAC): 865-524-2786 or
knoxseniors.org/mobile
GROCERY SHOPPING
Area Stores
• Call area grocery stores for shopping, curbside delivery and home delivery options available at their locations and any associated fees
SCHAS Out Shopping (SOS)
• Provides grocery shopping services for seniors 62 and older who are homebound or unable to leave home due to COVID-19
• Able to use SNAP benefits
Contact: Senior Citizens Home Assistance Services (SCHAS): 865-523-2920 or
schas.org/s-o-s-program
FOOD ASSISTANCE
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal program that provides funds to eligible low-income individuals and families to purchase eligible food items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, with an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. Call 1-866-311-4287 or apply online at
tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.html
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Call the Knox County Health Department at 865-215-5016 or visit
knoxcounty.org/health/wic.php.
FOOD PANTRIES *
• Check the availability and hours of area food pantries and possible delivery of emergency food by contacting the Compassion Coalition, 865-251-1591
compassioncoalition.org/covid-19-resources .
SALVATION ARMY
• Salvation Army is providing a variety of services to qualifying individusals. Learn more at
salvationarmyknoxville.org or by calling 865-971-4907
LOCAL FOOD
• Several, but not all, area farmers markets accept SNAP and offer Double Up Food Bucks for SNAP customers.
• The opportunity to preorder and prepay for pick-up is available from many individual farmers and providers.
Contact: Nourish Knoxville,
nourishknoxville.org
865-805-8687
Area colleges are working with their students to make sure all have access to food.
• University of Tennessee -
endhunger.utk.edu
• Pellissippi State College - Pellissippi Pantry -
pstcc.edu/advocacy/pantry.php or call 865-539-7346
• Area homeless service organizations such as Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC)
vmcinc.org and Knox Area Rescue Mission
karm.org are providing food, with support from the Knox County Association of Baptists.
• Individuals and groups that want to help homeless individuals are encouraged to work with organizations rather than establishing impromptu food/meal donation events
* Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is a supplier that partners with non-profit agencies, including many listed here as part of our food supply chain, and are not listed as a direct person-to-person provider.