It’s that time of year again and the Warren County Emergency Food Bank needs help. The food bank located at 314 West Morford Street is a county institution that relies on volunteers to staff it and provide food for those in dire need.
Director Helen Owens and her husband Bud have been volunteering for four years. While the bulk of the operation is purely by donation and volunteer-based, they are occasionally given money by the city and county governments. This year the city gave them $1,000, but the county contributed nothing. The bank also applies endlessly for grants.
“We spend a monthly average of $3,400 just on supplies. We sometimes get government grants to help run the food bank, but this year we have had some hang-ups due to numbers. We may not receive government grants at all,” says Owens. This is a worry.
“The number of households needing assistance has tripled in the last two or three years,” said Owens. In October alone, the total number of households needing emergency food was 116. In August the number was 87. It has greatly increased just in the past few months.
Owens also sees a disturbing trend developing.
“The number of homeless is increasing in the county, especially the number of homeless children,” said Owens. “Unfortunately we’re seeing more children along with their parents or parent.”
While this food bank is the only one in the county currently, there are churches who provide food assistance, though not nearly enough.
“There are three or four churches that offer food - the Gathering, the Methodist Church in Centertown and Freedom Life, for example,” Owens continued. “And while there is no regular soup kitchen in the county, Helping Hands does meals, the Home Ministry, there are a handful that do.”
Owens urges those who are able, financially or otherwise, to help out. “We would love monetary donations this year. Food-wise we accept canned goods that have not been expired over a year and all other food items are always welcome.”
For those in need of food, the food bank prefers that members fill out an application through Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA). This is not to prove need, but to allow the food bank to keep accurate records that in turn allow them to successfully apply for grants. They may also prepare in advance food bundles based on household members. They do accept walk-ins, but ask they show up well within the 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. framework on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Other desirable items include baby formula, diapers, wipes, hygiene items and laundry detergent. They also stock paper goods, soft drinks and snacks. Fresh veggies, fruit, frozen products, juices and coffee are also popular.
Regular volunteers are welcomed as well. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The Viola Opry, organized by Gary Renales, recently helped raise money in November for the food bank. These gestures of generosity are great bonuses.
Current board members include President Brent Nunley, Secretary/Treasurer Anna Griffin, Vice-president Barbara Walts, Lester Cowell (since 1982), Judy Toney, Carrie Baker, Shawn Shelleman, James Hughes and Owens herself.
To donate food, volunteer your time and energy or for more information about the food bank, you may call the bank at (931) 474-3663 or email customframes1956@gmail.com. Look for them on Facebook at Warren County Emergency Food Bank.
