The Warren County Emergency Food Bank was presented with a check by John Upchurch of Highland Rim Crossfit for $2,000 following the third annual Battle of the Badges Crossfit competition and fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 16.
“We really appreciate this donation,” said Warren County Emergency Food Bank president Lester Cowell.
The competition was presented by Highland Rim Crossfit in McMinnville with 106 athletes from around the region and of all fitness levels competing in the annual event, raising $2,000 along with 633 canned goods for the food bank.
“I chose this charity after I came by to see Mrs. Anna (Griffin) and realized there is a large need in Warren County. What matters to us is doing anything we can to help the community,” says Upchurch. “All of the money and canned items were donated from the generosity of the people who’d already paid to participate in the workout and compete in the event.”
Each year a different charity is selected with the food bank being chosen this year. The Warren County Emergency Food Bank is a crucial organization for many families.
“It feels very humbling to receive this check,” says Anna Griffin, the secretary and treasurer of the Warren County Food Bank board. “I feel as though people in Warren County are so generous. I’ve worked with the food bank as a volunteer since 2014, and I think we help a lot of people who have a limited income, have lost jobs or simply need help during a tough situation. I feel great that John Upchurch could do this for us.”
The food bank, which opened in 1982, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping feed the hungry of Warren County. The program works primarily through donations.
“Based on the donations, I think the people of Warren County realize the dire need for food within the community,” says Griffin. “We have all types of people come in here, but we do serve many elderly citizens who are on a fixed income.”
Non-perishable and canned items are accepted. Griffin states canned fruit, boxed oats, instant potatoes and canned meat often run short. Miscellaneous items, such as instant pasta, rice, macaroni and cheese, canned meat and other microwavable meals are a treat for many.
“My favorite part has been seeing the gratitude of the people who get food. They are so grateful for the amount of food we give them at one time,” says Griffin. “We know there’s a lot of need in the community, and I hope people can benefit from what we are giving, especially around the holidays.”
For those needing to receive food, they must visit UCHRA, or Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency, located at the county administrative building on Locust Street to fill out the necessary paperwork. If transportation is unavailable to those in need, UCART schedules rides to the food bank and UCHRA. The new public transit system can also be used to transport individuals.
“To know there’s a place like this for people in need, as well as how much the community has helped, it really touches my heart. I hug the people who come in, and wish them happy holidays. I hope the experience not only fills their tummies but also their hearts,” says Rhonda Cutler, a volunteer of the food bank.
Volunteers and donations are always needed. If interested in providing assistance, monetary donations can be sent to P.O. Box 944 McMinnville, TN 37111. Canned foods can be brought to 314 West Morford Street on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, visit the food bank or contact Griffin at 931-212-7936.
