Residents encourage Chattanooga community to support area food bank this season
Chattanooga, TN — Residents of Ashwood Square Retirement Community are hosting a food drive benefiting the Chattanooga Area Food Bank through Monday, November 25.
The food drive will help Ashwood Square residents bring awareness to the issue of hunger and food insecurity in Chattanooga and surrounding areas that affects children, adults, seniors, and veterans alike. The sting of hunger is felt even more harshly during the holiday season, a time when families are gathering around full tables to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ashwood Square residents understand that there are those less fortunate and have rallied together to make a difference this holiday season. "We're are excited to be out in the community gathering support and donations again this year for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank," said Nichole Abruzzise, Lifestyle Director at Ashwood Square. "The spirit of the holiday season inspires many in our community to harness the energy of generosity into something charitable and meaningful for others. We're incredibly thankful for all those participating in this year's campaign as it provides necessary resources to help our hungry neighbors, and gives hope for a holiday free-of-hunger."
According to CAFB (Chattanooga Area Food Bank), there are more than 136,900 people that go hungry in the organization's service area, which includes 20 counties in southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia. "Currently, our 40,000-square-foot warehouse is completely full with over 1 million pounds available to our agency partners," CAFB's website states. "If monetary and food donations stopped today, our warehouse would be empty in less than three weeks."
Those who wish to support Ashwood Square's food drive may donate any non-perishable food item, though the food bank is especially in need of single-serving mac and cheese; single-serving oatmeal; peanut butter; canned, ready-to-eat meals; canned fruits and vegetables; and canned meats.
Donations are being accepted now through Monday, November 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Ashwood Square Retirement Community, located at 7683 Shallowford Road in Chattanooga.
To learn more about the Holiday Food Drive or for drop off directions, please contact Amy Snetman at Ashwood Square at (423) 308-6899.
ABOUT CHATTANOOGA AREA FOOD BANK
Founded in 1972, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank's mission is to lead a network of partners in eliminating hunger and promoting better nutrition in our region. In its 20-county service area in southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia, 1 in 8 people, including 1 in 5 children, are food insecure. Annually, the Food Bank distributes more than 15 million pounds of food through its network of nearly 300 partner agencies to serve children, families, seniors, veterans and others who are facing hunger. The Food Bank is a proud member of Feeding America, the largest hunger relief umbrella nonprofit organization in the U.S. For more information about the Food Bank or to how to get involved, visit
chattfoodbank.org.
