“We’re elated to participate in programs like the Farmers to Families Food Box program,” said Lisa Healy, Executive Director of CCETN. “Covid-19 has disrupted the livelihood of area families in more than a few ways and we’re deeply thankful to be a part of alleviating food insecurity during this time.” For more than 40 years, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee has put into action its mission to assist the most vulnerable in our area, regardless of age, race, income or religious affiliation. It is estimated that 95% of the clients served by Catholic Charities are not Catholic. Food box pick up locations and dates below:

















About CCETN: Empowered by the grace of Jesus Christ, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, founded in 1989, addresses the unmet needs of the most vulnerable of our region by providing shelter, nourishment, counseling and education, in order to foster human dignity. Our programs include: Children’s Emergency Shelter, Columbus Home Assisting Parents (C.H.A.P), Crazy Quilt Food Pantry, Horizon House/Five Rivers Community Supportive Housing, Office of Immigrant Services, Pregnancy Help Center, Samaritan Place, The Home Place, Counseling Services and HOPE Kitchen. For more information, visit. www.CCETN.org. For additional information members of the public can contact the individual churches or CCETN at development@ccetn.org or (865) 524-9896.  

Press release

October 14, 2020

CCETN to Feed Area Families Struggling with Food Insecurity
Catholic Charities of East Tennessee to join USDA food box program

KNOXVILLE, TN – Catholic Charities of East Tennessee (CCETN) has joined the national USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program, where the USDA partners with national, regional and local farmers whose buyers have been severely impacted by the closure of restaurants, hotels and other food service businesses. Housed under the Coronavirus Food Assistance program, the Farmers to Families Food Box program will purchase up to $4 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products from American producers of all sizes. 

CCETN is the recipient of up to 1,800 boxes, all which contain family size portions of fresh dairy, meat, produce and fruit products. At three regional locations in Pigeon Forge, Johnson City and Kingsport, CCETN will distribute boxes to families on Saturday, October 17 and 24. These locations aim to serve Washington, Sevier, Unicoi and Sullivan counties. All individuals and families are welcome to come and receive a box until supplies last.