Union County Food Pantry started in 1997 when the current Director, Kitty Lewis, had a close friend from church who shared with her the struggles that people in our area were having with getting enough food to last the entire month. One lady was rumored to stretch her budget by eating cat food. These unfortunate circumstances spurred these two ladies to take action. Lewis and friends turned to local churches and have been supported by congregations and individuals ever since. Lewis expressed special thanks to Irwin’s Chapel United Methodist Church, the Circle Assembly of God, Journey Church, St. Teresa Catholic Church, and Glenmary Missioners who along with several local patrons support the pantry financially and by volunteering. Lewis is very thankful to Union County for providing the building to house and distribute commodities donated to and purchased through donations to the pantry. Through the Race Against Hunger drive, Food City gives back to the local community, recently donating $4,000 worth of gift cards for the pantry. Walgreens also donates through its partnership with Kroger. Lewis is thankful to the Union County Sheriff's Department for working with her when people have an emergency need by providing a safe drop off location and delivering food for those unable to get out, and for allowing the Trustees to help unload the truck!

The food pantry began with the FISH Hospitality program but soon after became independent. The pantry purchases food from Second Harvest buying it by the pound and also applies for and receives a federally funded emergency food grant each year. Lewis has been responsible for guiding the pantry since the end of the 20th century. Lewis handles the paperwork, secures donations, delivers donations to the facility, sets up the location before the volunteers get there, supervises distribution of commodities, and closes down at the end of the day. She has her hands full!

You may be asking yourself, “How can I help?” (I know I was as I conducted the interview!) Lewis states she could use some help with the paperwork if anyone has the time and desire to commit and is familiar with protecting personal information. Volunteers who are willing to follow CDC guidelines are welcome. In addition to food, the pantry supplies items such as diapers and personal hygiene items. There are very clear guidelines for food pantry volunteers, especially that no one is allowed to take home food unless they are signed up, and protection of personal information of the recipients is an absolute requirement. Of course, if you feel compelled to help but cannot volunteer your time, donations are gladly accepted.

COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the food pantry. Union County Trustees from the jail now assist by unloading the truck only, previously they could also help set up the bags. Lewis works with five to seven volunteers making the bags, after which most volunteers leave. Those remaining slide the bags across a table to the recipients. Recipients show their ID and give verbal documentation but no paperwork is handed back and forth. Lewis states the traffic flow had dipped when COVID-19 restrictions were the highest, but it is now starting to increase again. The highest number of recipients of commodities in recent history was 300, and the pantry is currently serving approximately 130 each distribution date. Possible reasons for this decline is recipients’ lack of transportation, recipients’ or their relied-upon transportation may fear exposure to COVID-19, and some people may have gotten stocked up and are making fewer trips. Unfortunately, volunteers are no longer able to help the elderly and disabled carry their bags to their cars due to the lower number and the need for social distancing. Although a lower number of volunteers is challenging, it is also easier to follow CDC guidelines.

Lewis has been a resident of Union County for 34 years, she loves this community and the people. She is a busy lady who in addition to managing the Union County Food Pantry babysits her granddaughter and is an Avon representative. Lewis started her business selling Avon in our community more than 30 years ago. She offers free shipping for orders over $60 and if ordering online reach out to her ahead of time and she can provide you a code for special offers. She is currently adding to her team and it is free to join. Her website is www.youravon.com/kittylewis.

Her advice to those considering opening a business in Union County is that Union County has a growing customer base and the housing market is crazy so it's a good place to be. Lewis’s advice to those considering starting a ministry in this community is to pray and to jump. She says you don’t have to be highly organized, just follow through and be consistent and do what you think you need to do and there is always, ALWAYS someone willing to help you.

The pantry is opened from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. It is located at 553 Fall Creek Rd, Maynardville, TN 37807 and the phone number is (865) 992-4335. Monetary donations can be made payable to Union County Food Pantry and sent to: 926 Beard Valley Rd. Maynardville, TN 37807 or dropped off at the listed address during operating hours.