Kingsport, TN – (September 1, 2026) – This September, during Hunger Action Month, Second Harvest Food Bank is joining the nationwide Feeding America network in calling on our community to “Play Your Part”. As the cost of essentials like groceries, energy, and healthcare continue to put pressure on household budgets, everyone can take action to help ensure their neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive.

“Together we can end hunger,” says Rhonda Chafin, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee (SHFBNT). “It takes people looking out for each other, especially now, as so many families are navigating difficult tradeoffs necessitated by higher food prices. This September, during Hunger Action Month, we are asking everyone to show up for their neighbors facing hunger and play their part. Whether you donate, volunteer, speak up, or support your community in another way, your action matters. When neighbors care for neighbors, we strengthen our community.”

According to the latest data available from the 2026 Map the Meal Gap study, 48 million people, which includes more than 14 million children, experience food insecurity in our country. Of the eight counties Second Harvest serves in Northeast Tennessee, the number of food insecure individuals in each county range from a low of 18.1% in Sullivan and Washington Counties to a high of 24.8% in Hancock County. Among children under the age of 18, the number rises to 1 in 4. In two counties within the service region, as many as 1 in 3 children experience food insecurity.

Second Harvest Volunteer Chris Jarmer shares what inspires him to give his time and that helping neighbors facing hunger has become a meaningful part of his life. “For me, the need for food assistance is obvious,” Chris says. “Doing something about it seems mandatory. I remember helping a mother and her two young children at a food pantry where I volunteered. They were so small and so scared. I remember those two, now adults, and I hope we helped them escape that situation. I remember them every time I show up to help.”

In our region, 1 of 5 individuals face food insecurity–YOU are one of the 4 of 5 that can help! People can get involved locally by donating at www.netfoodbank.org or through any of the actions below:

• Volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank or a community food pantry. Email: volunteers@netfoodbank.org to inquire.
• Donate canned goods and pantry staples to a local food drive—watch for more information on our social media about where to find a food drive in your community this month.
• Join community members and donate to our “40 Meal Challenge” to help supply the funds needed to provide 40 meals to neighbors facing food insecurity. Check the website for the “donate” button and watch our Facebook page for updates on the progress toward this goal!
• Visit the Food Bank on Hunger Action Day, September 29 from 10:00-noon, to learn more about food insecurity in this region, see the trucks that make the distributions possible, take a tour of the food bank, write a note to “Thank a Farmer” or “Encourage a Neighbor”. Check out this online resource from Feeding America: Hunger & Poverty in the United States | Map the Meal Gap