You may have heard the buzz about a very exciting project happening here in Union County. The Fresh Wagon is a food distribution that focuses on education and striving to get families more fresh foods in their diet. Education and convenience are two of the main goals of the project.
At food distributions, community organizations will be available to answer questions or even offer tips on how to make cooking and eating healthier and delicious.
So, what makes Fresh Wagon unique? This project was started by community organizations coming together. Funding for the startup of the project came from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation through the American Cancer Society.
Union County coordinated school health, the mayor’s office, Union County Health Department, St. Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church, UT Extension Union County, local farmers and others are working together to provide fresh foods and useful information.
Fresh Wagon is currently supported by donations and charitable giving that would not be possible without Fr. Neil Pezzulo and worshippers.
During Fresh Wagon’s first food distribution in the Paulette area, there was an immediate need to get TEMA (TN Emergency Management Agency) food out into communities struggling from Covid-19 impacts through Second Harvest.
Twenty-six families were given food and hygiene supplies, totaling over 120 individual people helped. In addition, eight homebound veterans were delivered food and supplies.
The day was a big success with help from many including the county and sheriff’s office.
Fresh Wagon’s next distribution will be September 15 at the Plainview Community Building from 1 to 3p.m. Fresh produce will be provided by local farmers and resources from community organizations including the Union County Health Department, American Cancer Society, Nourish Knoxville, and UT Extension Union County. All distributions will be first come, first served.
We hope to see you there. Volunteers are still needed to make this day a success.
For more information, to volunteer or to contribute to these efforts, please call 865-992-8038 or email avictoria@utk.edu.