The 2025 Hunger Walk Information

Where: Angel Park (University Avenue, Sewanee)

When: Saturday, September 20th at 9:00 AM

The 2025 Hunger Walk is held in memory of Bill Davis who passed away on October 30,2024. Bill worked relentlessly to make our community and world a better place.

Keep reading to learn why the Hunger Walk needs your support… NOW MORE THAN EVER.

What is Food Insecurity?

“Food insecurity is an official term from the USDA. It's when people don't have enough to eat and don't know where their next meal will come from. It's a big problem in the United States, where 47 million people, including 14 million children, experience food insecurity annually. However, many more people, including millions who do not meet the definition of food insecure—turn to the charitable food sector for support.”

Source: Feeding America

FOOD INSECURITY RATES BY COUNTY

Grundy County Food Bank

The Grundy County Food Bank (GCFB) is dedicated to helping those in need in the Grundy County area. Board members and volunteers work to ensure no person goes hungry. Food distributions are every Tuesday morning from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 114 South Industrial Road, Coalmont, Tennessee. Eligible members in Grundy County may come once a month to receive food for their families. According to GCFB director, Theresia Campbell, the food bank will lose $103,000 due to cuts to USDA. GCFB serves over 300 families monthly; a one-third to one-half increase in need from last year.

Morton Memorial Food Mission

Morton Memorial Food Mission (MMFM) serves 12,000 pounds of food to approximately 240 to 275 families in the South Cumberland Plateau community on the second Saturday of each month. They recently said “Food insecurity is difficult and real. It touches both the young and the old, those who are working as well as those who are retired and leaves people stripped of their pride and dignity. We work diligently to provide healthy, sustainable food for our Saturday Family.” Morton Food Mission Director, Alyse Getty, shared “I don’t know what the overall impact [of cuts to USDA, Medicaid and SNAP] will be nor when we shall feel it. So many variables that impact our families in need. Cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, impacts to roll backs to farmers, other services relying on federal dollars, and the list goes on and on…it’s overwhelming!” Ms. Getty relayed concerns as the Food Mission’s community of neighbors and supporters brace for impacts yet unknown, the level of uncertainty and challenge are at an all-time high.

Community Action Committee

The Community Action Committee (CAC) has served the Sewanee community and beyond for over 50 years. The CAC food pantry is open Monday – Friday for 2 hours each morning, offering non-perishable canned goods, dry goods, fresh vegetables, eggs, bread, meat, personal care items, and paper products. Per Sarah Edmonds, CAC Director, “There is no way to fully encapsulate or understand the meaning of CAC to our neighbors who receive groceries from us, but we know the food pantry is making a difference in our community.” The number of weekly visitors has doubled at CAC. On average, they have approximately 150 visits a month, an increase compared to 80 visits a month in 2024. The funds raised through the annual Hunger Walk support more than half of CAC’s annual food budget.