Area food pantries poised to help those in need

By SUSAN SHARP

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN. (WLAF)- Local food pantries are preparing to help 6,163 Campbell Countians who are at risk of losing their SNAP benefits this weekend. SNAP benefits are in jeopardy due to the Federal Government shutdown

Many of those organizations are struggling due to the already high need in the area. When those SNAP benefits are not loaded onto cards over $1.2 million in groceries will not  be purchased by Campbell Countians, according to the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

Across Tennessee, 690,629 people will not receive monthly food support. Tennessee families receive $145,802,025 in SNAP benefits each month, TDHS reports said.

SERVICES AVAILABLE

Tomorrow Mission of Hope and Compassion Ministries Mobile Food Pantry will be at Jellico High School from 10am until noon to distribute food. Those receiving food will need to bring an ID and proof of their current address such as a utility bill. Trunks should be empty so volunteers can put the boxes in there. People are asked to pick up for no more than two families.

Bread of Life in Jellico,  290 N. Main St. Bread of Life is open for distribution on the fourth Monday of the month from 4pm to 5pm. They are open for donations from 2pm to 5pm on Tuesdays and 9am to 1pm on Thursdays.

The Crazy Quilt, 2967 Highway 297, Newcomb. The center is open Tues., Wed, and Thurs. from 8am until 3pm for food distribution. Those in need can go the to receive a box of food. There is paperwork to complete and then people can leave with supplies.

Food Life Services is at 800 E. Chestnut St., LaFollette. They are open for distribution from 9 am until 1pm on Tuesdays.

Open Arms Ministry is located at 1112 McGhee Lane, Jacksboro. The pantry is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am until 2:45pm for distribution.

People with pets can also receive help. The Critter Cupboard at the Campbell County Animal Shelter is open Tues. through Sat. from noon until 5pm. The shelter is at 749 Towe String Rd., Jacksboro. They also need donations.

To be eligible for SNAP benefits, “most able-bodied people between 16 and 59 years old must register for work, participate in the Employment and Training Program if offered, accept offers of employment, and cannot quit a job. Able-bodied adults without dependents aged 18 to 52 can receive only a limited number of benefit months in 3 years, unless working 80 hours per month or otherwise determined exempt from the rule,” according to the TDHS.

For more information about the SNAP program CLICK HERE.

For eligibility information CLICK HERE.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 10/31/2025-6AM- IMAGE COURTESY OF ETHRA)