CRazy Quilt
HOPE Kitchen

September 15, 2021

During September, countless communities across America come together to fight hunger during Hunger Action Month. While hunger may seem like an issue only prevalent in certain communities, it is closer than you may think. Every community in this country is home to families who face food insecurity. It could be your neighbor, child’s classmate, or even a coworker who is struggling to get enough to eat.

In 2019, 905,090 people were food insecure in Tennessee. Of those individuals, East Tennessee residents made up 38%. Not sure how to fight hunger in your community? You can make a stand against hunger in these four easy ways.

1. Learn about the latest hunger facts

Where millions of people in America face hunger, the issue can be hard to contextualize on a smaller scale. But hunger happens everywhere in the United States. However, learning about food insecurity and sharing the facts with your community is the first step in rallying supporters to end hunger.

2. Donate

One of the most tangible ways to fight hunger is to donate to your local food bank. Whether it is a financial contribution or food/personal items, donations keep food banks afloat and enable them to continue providing their service to the community. Catholic Charities operates three food banks: Crazy Quilt, HOPE Kitchen, and HOPE Kitchen: Immaculate Conception Church. Crazy Quilt is our food bank specific to Jellico, TN, an area that experiences a significant amount of poverty, and HOPE Kitchen is our mobile food bank that partners with local churches to serve the community. Your donation to CCETN food banks keeps our hunger relief programs running smoothly.

3. Volunteer at your local food bank

Most of the food banks across this country and East Tennessee rely on the time and generosity of dedicated volunteers. Even committing to just a few volunteer hours each month can greatly impact the productivity of your local food banks and the families they serve. If you’re interested in volunteering with CCETN at the Crazy Quilt or HOPE Kitchen food bank, email volunteer@ccetn.org.

4. Fundraise

Eradicating hunger in any community takes a team effort by many! Invite your family and friends to join you in the fight against hunger. There are many ways you can fundraise for your local food bank.

• Organize a community food drive in your neighborhood or at your child’s school

• Fundraise for a special event by asking for donations to your local food bank instead of receiving gifts for a birthday or wedding bank instead

• Use your talents: If you are talented in a special way like baking, or taking photos, you could turn your talents into funds raised for your local food bank

• Talk to your church about taking up a special collection for your local food bank

• Start a Facebook fundraiser


Thank you for joining us in the fight to end hunger in East Tennessee!

Four Ways to Help
End Hunger

During September, countless communities across America come together to fight hunger during Hunger Action Month. While hunger may seem like an issue only prevalent in certain communities, it is closer than you may think. Every community in this country is home to families who face food insecurity. It could be your neighbor, child’s classmate, or even a coworker who is struggling to get enough to eat.

In 2019, 905,090 people were food insecure in Tennessee. Of those individuals, East Tennessee residents made up 38%. Not sure how to fight hunger in your community? You can make a stand against hunger in these four easy ways.

1. Learn about the latest hunger facts

Where millions of people in America face hunger, the issue can be hard to contextualize on a smaller scale. But hunger happens everywhere in the United States. However, learning about food insecurity and sharing the facts with your community is the first step in rallying supporters to end hunger.

2. Donate

One of the most tangible ways to fight hunger is to donate to your local food bank. Whether it is a financial contribution or food/personal items, donations keep food banks afloat and enable them to continue providing their service to the community. Catholic Charities operates three food banks: Crazy Quilt, HOPE Kitchen, and HOPE Kitchen: Immaculate Conception Church. Crazy Quilt is our food bank specific to Jellico, TN, an area that experiences a significant amount of poverty, and HOPE Kitchen is our mobile food bank that partners with local churches to serve the community. Your donation to CCETN food banks keeps our hunger relief programs running smoothly.

3. Volunteer at your local food bank

Most of the food banks across this country and East Tennessee rely on the time and generosity of dedicated volunteers. Even committing to just a few volunteer hours each month can greatly impact the productivity of your local food banks and the families they serve. If you’re interested in volunteering with CCETN at the Crazy Quilt or HOPE Kitchen food bank, email volunteer@ccetn.org.

4. Fundraise

Eradicating hunger in any community takes a team effort by many! Invite your family and friends to join you in the fight against hunger. There are many ways you can fundraise for your local food bank.
• Organize a community food drive in your neighborhood or at your child’s school
• Fundraise for a special event by asking for donations to your local food bank instead of receiving gifts for a birthday or wedding bank instead
• Use your talents: If you are talented in a special way like baking, or taking photos, you could turn your talents into funds raised for your local food bank
• Talk to your church about taking up a special collection for your local food bank
• Start a Facebook fundraiser

Thank you for joining us in the fight to end hunger in East Tennessee!