Food Security Collaboration

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We want to reduce the number of people who are hungry and improve nutrition for people receiving food assistance.

We want to develop a strong community for all demographics including children, elderly, and the working poor.

A Powerful Way to Create Lasting Change

 UWGK seeks to mobilize the community's caring power to effectively serve health and human service needs. Funding programs that work is one way to achieve this. Joining forces to attack problems is another.

 In the fall of 2008, a food insecurity issue came to the attention of United Way when Superintendent of Kingsport City Schools Dr. Richard Kitzmiller reported a waiting list for the system's backpack program to ensure children have food to eat on the weekends.

 So UWGK, working with various public, private, and non-profit groups, waged a battle against hunger. As a result, the children on the waiting list were adopted by organizations and individuals in the community. The children were not only able to take food home for the weekend during the school year, but a extension of the program provided boxes of food during the summer months.

Other collaborations have taken place to meet the need. As the food security initiative continues, the task force will focus on results that will bring lasting change to the community.

This initiative is part of the Safety and Stability Vision Council. For more info contact Jill Salyers 423-378-3409 ext. 16.