MCMINNVILLE, Tenn. — Warren County Emergency Food Bank is having a crisis of its own: Funding is decreasing as the need for food in the community is increasing.
“The food bank is funded currently by three means,” said Food Bank board member Brent Nunley. “FEMA, the county, and local donations are the three ways we are currently being funded to purchase food, pay rent to a facility within the city limits, and pay a part-time worker to man the food bank during the week.”
Of the funding sources, FEMA, cut its funding from $6,845 in fiscal year 2013 to $4,872 in 2014. County government cut its funding from $2,500 in 2013 to $2,250 in 2014, and local donations dropped from $10,228 in 2012 to $8,240 in 2013. To date this year, $2,852 in donations have been received.
“The funding has continued to decrease while the demand for food has not,” said Nunley. Until the funding situation improves, the food bank is cutting back in the only area it can by providing less people with food.
“We are working and trying to find ways to cut corners and save money this year so as to not run out of money,” said Nunley. “We are hopeful our annual food drive conducted by the post office will stock our shelves at the food band and therefore reduce the amount of food we have to actually purchase.”
McMinnville Postal Service employees are conducting their annual canned food drive to benefit the food bank this Saturday, May 10. Residents wanting to give need to place a bag with nonperishable items by their mailbox and postal carriers will pick it up.
Want to make a monetary donation? Checks can be made out to Warren County Emergency Food Bank and sent to 176 Creek Lane, McMinnville, TN, 37110. Donations can also be made at First National Bank in the food bank’s general fund.
Volunteers are needed May 10, 13 and 15 to sort items picked up by postal employees. To lend a helping hand, contact Claudia Simmons at 212-9508.
The food bank is located on Red Road behind McMinnville Police Department. Days and times of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.