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

Frequently Asked Questions
- Determine how and where food will be collected. You can use boxes, barrels or bins. Small to medium-size boxes work well for food drives. We can deliver barrels with at least 48 hours notice.
- Give us a starting/ending date and location of the drive. Once collected, you can deliver the food directly to us or call and we will come and pick it up. Pick-ups are coordinated into our current truck routes. This could take a couple of days depending on the service area location.
- If you are using our barrels to collect food they come with a poster or wrap that says “Food Drive to Benefit Second Harvest”. You may decorate the barrels by wrapping them with paper and then decorating the paper. PLEASE do not mark on the barrels or barrel wraps.
- Appoint someone in charge of logistics; i.e., barrel locations and the physical collection of the food. Set a goal: Decide how much food you would like to collect during your food drive. How many potential contributors do you have? How much can you expect to collect? Will you collect food or cash-or both?
- Consider holding internal competitions (between departments, floors, etc.) Award the winners with special recognition such as pizza, etc.
- Spread the word!!! Create a poster explaining your food drive and post it on walls, barrels, etc. to inform others. Put small fliers in paychecks, and mention in other communication with your group, like e-mails and newsletters.
Food items we always need include:
- Cereal/Rice/Dried Beans
- Canned Tuna Fish/Meat
- Canned Soups
- Spaghetti Sauce/Pasta/Noodles
- Peanut Butter
- Canned Tomatoes/Veggies/Fruit
- Mac & Cheese
- Baby Food
- Diapers
- Volunteers sort and box the items in the warehouse.
- The food is distributed to charities who serve those in need in Northeast TN.
- There is absolutely no cost to the donor or the charity.
Food Drives Happening Now
Stop in and drop off some non-perishable goods!
Location |
Address |
End Date |
|
Citizens Bank | Elizabethton, Hampton, Johnson City, Bristol, Kingsport (9 locations) | through 9/30/23 | |
Grace UMC | 104 10th St. North Main & Rock Creek Rd Erwin, TN | TBD | |
Kingsport Press Credit Union | Kingsport, Church Hill, Rogersville (3 locations) | through 9/30/23 | |
Quantum Leap | 117 East King St. Johnson City, TN | TBD | |
Starbucks | Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol (5 locations) | through 9/30/23 |
Evergreen of Colonial Heights 1876 Moreland Dr. Kingsport, TN TBD
Looking for Virtual Food Drives?
We're Here To Help
We want your food drive to succeed. To register your food drive, fill out the form below or call Jon at (423) 279-0430 x224.