top of page
Search

Canned Good Drop off in Beth Ann Booker Park

  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read

Supporting Neighbors During SNAP Benefit Disruption and Uncertainty


Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, a potential lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is creating unprecedented hardship on those that need support most. With this, local food pantries are reporting record high demand for food assistance. More than 35,000 neighbors in Knox County alone get SNAP benefits.


Tennessee Governor Bill Lee warned that there would be a lapse in SNAP benefits beginning on Nov 1 due to the ongoing federal shutdown. Some states have covered the shortfall in federal funding out of their own pocket, but Tennessee has not opted to do so at this time. More information on this on the Tennessee Department of Human Services site.


The Little Library in Beth Ann Booker Park is being temporarily repurposed as a convenient, accessible, and anonymous food drop-off and pick-up site for canned and nonperishable goods. Our goal is to ensure basic needs are met with dignity and ease, increasing the options available to folks in need.


Please join neighbors supporting neighbors by dropping off items that can help support our community during this time. Any excess food that cannot fit in the park site will be quickly distributed to other local food pantries to maximize our collective impact.


How You Can Help: Donation Guidelines

  • Please bring canned nonperishable food and essential supplies (e.g., canned vegetables, soup, dry beans, rice, pasta, toiletries).

  • For items that must stay dry (like rice, beans, or dry goods), please place them inside the sheltered portion of the Little Library.

  • Canned goods that do not need protection from the elements can be placed below the library if there is not space inside.


For our neighbors in need:

  • Take as much as you require. This food is a gift from your community, shared with love and support.

  • We are here for you. If you need specific assistance or larger items, please do not hesitate to post a request on the ONK Facebook group. Your neighbors want to help!


Beth Ann Booker Park is located on E Oklahoma Ave, in the heart of Old North Knoxville


Additional Resources in North Knoxville:

We are grateful for all local organizations stepping up during this critical time. Below are some additional food pantries and locations nearby serving meals:

North Knox Food Pantries

Downtown Food Pantries


Hot Meals

  • Church Street United Methodist Church Soup Kitchen: 900 Henley at Main - Free lunch on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. (arrive early between 10-10:30 a.m.)

  • First Baptist Church CareFirst: parking lot/garage at 1005 Locust St. Offering free hot meals on Tuesdays from 5:30-7 p.m.

  • Love Kitchen: 2418 MLK Jr. Ave. - Free lunches (dine-in and take one to go) on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:30-1:00 p.m.

  • St. John's Lutheran Church: 544 N. Broadway Ave. - Free hot meals on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. and a free meal & worship service on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.

  • Inskip Grill: 4877 N Broadway Street - Starting Nov. 4, free Lil' Inskip meals on Tuesdays, must present SNAP card and matching ID, limit of 4 meals per family.

  • Pizza Hoss: 7215 Clinton Highway - Starting Nov. 6, free large pizza and knots on Thursdays, must present SNAP card and matching ID, limit of one per family.

 
 
ONK Logo_white.png
bottom of page