United Rare Earths launches $10,000 matching challenge

The challenge is to combat Campbell County’s food crisis

CAMPBELL COUNTY, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- Campbell County Mayor Jack Lynch and Joint Economic and Community Development Board (JECDB) Chairman Jay Willoughby today announced a major community initiative to immediately address the severe impact of potential SNAP funding loss on local families and senior citizens.

Jeff Willis, Chief Executive Officer of United Rare Earths, has pledged $10,000 to local food relief programs and issued a challenge to the entire community: Match the pledge to raise a total of $20,000.

The funds will provide urgent, short-term support to Campbell County’s local food banks and the Meals on Wheels program for at-risk senior citizen households.

📉 The Urgency: An Unprecedented Need

Recent data indicates that the loss of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding will leave many hundreds of Campbell County households facing an immediate food shortage. With Campbell County’s overall food insecurity rate at an estimated 17.4%, this crisis will disproportionately impact our most vulnerable residents—children and seniors.

“Mr. Willis’s immediate and generous pledge of $10,000 is a powerful example of corporate responsibility, and we are profoundly grateful,” said County Mayor Jack Lynch. “But this is a challenge for all of us. Losing SNAP funding means food is off the table for many of our neighbors. We must act decisively as a unified community to fill this gap.”

The Goal: 80,000+ Meals for Campbell County

By matching the United Rare Earths contribution, the $20,000 total investment is projected to fund between 60,000 and 100,000 meals for families and seniors in need.  Nationwide studies have shown that for each donation dollar to food banks will allow them to provide 3-5 meals.  Our first goal is to target 80,000 provided meals.

“United Rare Earths recognizes that the health and security of our community is foundational to its economic future,” said JECDB Chairman Jay Willoughby. “We ask every local agency, business, and individual who can contribute to step forward. This matching challenge is a catalyst—it is the fastest way to double the impact of every dollar donated and ensure no child or senior goes hungry during this crisis.”

To help meet the $10,000 United Rare Earths Matching Challenge, please donate immediately as our goal is to attain United Rare Earth’s match by November 14.

Checks should be made payable to the East Tennessee Foundation with a notation Campbell County Food Drive.  Checks can be dropped off at the Campbell County Mayor’s Office.  Those wishing to donate but remain anonymous can contact Mayor Lynch 423-562-2526 or Mr. Willoughby 423-871-6112 and arrangements to pick up contributions will be arranged. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-11/05/2025-6AM)