When SNAP benefits were disrupted in November 2025, many families across Northeast Tennessee suddenly faced gaps in food access. For households already working to stretch their budgets, the disruption created immediate uncertainty about how they would put food on the table.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee quickly worked with partner agencies, volunteers, and community organizations to respond. Together, we launched a series of Emergency SNAP Distributions across our eight-county service area to help families during this time.

In just a few weeks, 13 emergency distributions were held across the region. These events provided groceries to 6,749 families — more than 21,600 individuals — and distributed 235,776 pounds of food to households facing unexpected need.

This response was made possible through the leadership support of Ballad Health, whose early investment helped Second Harvest move quickly to purchase and distribute fresh produce, dairy products, pantry staples, and protein items when families needed them most.

At a press conference on February 26, Ballad Health announced an additional $100,000 gift, and regional leader Scott Niswonger committed a $100,000 matching contribution to support hunger relief efforts across Northeast Tennessee.

Now, they are inviting the community to join them. Together, their combined $200,000 gift will serve as a match challenge, doubling donations to help Second Harvest continue purchasing food for families, children, and seniors across our eight-county service area.