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Food Drive Information

Many in our region struggle with hunger every day. As many as 1 in 7 people and 1 in 5 children in northeast Tennessee are food-insecure meaning they may not always have reliable access to the food they need — Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap

Food drives are an important source of food for Second Harvest. You can help — Host a food drive or donate to a food drive near you.

Organize a Food Drive

A great way to raise awareness and collect food for hungry people in your community is through a food drive. You can get everyone involved and help make a difference in the lives of your neighbors.

We would love to help you coordinate a successful event. If you would like to organize a food drive for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, we can provide you with barrels for food collection and other collateral.

Commercial Food Donations

We accept surplus food in good condition from commercial food businesses. The food bank has 6 trucks that are on the road each day picking up and delivering food.

  • Food is handled and stored safely by food bank personnel trained in food safety.
  • The food bank is AIB Certified and meets stringent food safety standards.
  • Food donors can be confident their food donations are handled safely.
  • Agencies receive donations in good condition ready to feed the hungry.

Besides helping feed the hungry, there are many benefits to the businesses that donate food to Second Harvest. Food donors are protected from liability by the Good Samaritan Law. For more information on commercial food donations, contact donatefood@netfoodbank.org or call (423) 279-0430 x224.

Commercial food donors receive many benefits:
  • Prevents unnecessary waste and helps reduce trash hauling costs
  • Builds morale among employees
  • Shows the business is invested in giving back to the community
Top 5 Local Donors in FY23

Premium Waters
Pepsi-Cola
Sam’s Club
Publix #1633
Publix #1543

Top 5 Food Collections in FY23

Eastman Supply Chain
Providence Academy
Advanced Call Center Technologies
Wallace Nissan
Steve Huff Plumbing

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