The “A Light in the Dark Winter” initiative teams up the The Salvation Army and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee
On a brisk Tuesday evening in East Nashville, Nina and Bob walked up to the Metro Nashville Salvation Army‘s Mobile Canteen in need of a meal. The couple has been struggling with homelessness.
“Thank you,” said Nina, as a Salvation Army staff member handed her and Bob containers filled with creamy chicken and rice, a roll, and bottle of water. “We really appreciate it.”
This is one of four Salvation Army sites distributing warms meals through a new joint initiative, “A Light in the Dark Winter,” with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
“We know that there are many who feel forgotten and alone through social distancing and economic hardships have been our constant companion during the pandemic,” said Major Ethan Frizzell, Area Commander for The Salvation Army. “We are inviting them to join us for not just a warm meal such as a cup of soup, but a light of hope that comes from interacting with our neighbors in a safe socially distanced way.”
Each Tuesday night through April 27, the Salvation Army will serve a warm meal prepared by Second Harvest at four of their locations in Davidson and Rutherford Counties. The initiative has been generously funded through a partnership with Kroger and Coca Cola Consolidated.
“In Middle Tennessee, 1 in 6 people – including 1 in 5 children – are struggling with hunger during the pandemic,” said Nancy Keil, president and CEO of Second Harvest. “Getting food to those in need is critical and this partnership will provide hope to so many in need. And these nutritious meals are made possible through a gift from Kroger and Coca Cola Consolidated in support of the Kroger Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan.”
