GC Food Bank Helping Those in Need
by Bailey Basham, Messenger Staff Writer
Each month, upwards of 225 families receive food assistance from The Grundy County Food Bank. Diana Foster, who serves on the board at the food bank, has been involved for nearly 10 years. She said the need for food assistance in the area became more apparent to her when she retired.
“It is a huge need in the community,” Foster said. “The majority of our people are so thankful for the help they receive. Being able to help your neighbors just makes you feel good.”
Food insecurity is often coupled with health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease, and people of color, children, the elderly and those living in rural areas are statistically more likely to need food assistance. Compared to an average of 15.4 percent food insecure nationwide overall, rural areas are more highly affected.
The Grundy County Food Bank, which is one of several local organizations working to address the need of hunger in the community, distributes every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Members are able to come once a month to receive food for their families.
“We provide food to our clients. Our food comes from Wal-Mart programs, and we buy from the Chattanooga Food Bank. We also get food from donations,” Foster said.
The Grundy County Food Bank is new to The Hunger Walk partnership this year. Aside from supporting The Hunger Walk, which is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, Foster said the food bank is always in need of volunteers to help unload food shipments and distribute food to clients.
“Our families have a dire need, and we always need help. We are just hopeful that being a part of The Hunger Walk this year will help us to serve more of our community,” Foster said.