The holiday season can be a magical time, filled with lots of celebration, quality time with family and friends, and the anticipation of sharing a holiday meal. But for the 1 in 8 of our Middle and West Tennessee neighbors facing hunger, the holidays can be one of the hardest times of the year.

While our community is rebounding from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lives are beginning to return to normal, there are still many children, seniors, and families struggling to put food on the table.

Putting Hope on the Table

Jessica lives in Manchester with her husband of 13 years, and their two sons, ages 12 and 11. She works full time at a local truck stop. Her husband works full time as a truck driver. While the couple try to pick up as much overtime as they can, the family still barely gets by.

“Paying the bills, trying to put food on the table, is tough.” said Jessica. “You work really hard, but the paychecks just don’t cover everything. It can get frustrating, and you sometimes feel a little defeated.”

The holidays can be an especially stressful time for the Bedford County family. Fortunately, they receive the groceries they need at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Mobile Pantries at the First Baptist Church in Manchester. The fresh produce, dairy, baked goods, and pantry staples will ensure Jessica, her husband, and their two sons, can enjoy the holidays without worrying about having enough food to put on the table.

“The food we get today will put food in my sons’ bellies and we don’t have to struggle as much,” said Jessica. “That is a gift. You are a godsend.”  

$1 = 4 Meals

Every $1 donated to Second Harvest provides four meals to our neighbors facing hunger in Middle and West Tennessee. Hunger does not take a holiday. But with your support, we can help our neighbors at-risk of not having enough to eat, receive the meals and resources they need. Thank you for feeding hope this holiday season.