Food Help During Government Shutdown
Food Help During the Government Shutdown
Note: This page may not update as fast as United Way’s page. For the most current info, always check United Way of Blount County first.
Countywide, always-current list (United Way): https://unitedwayblount.org/
United Way detailed updating document (live): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uYBxvMMuHAa_ca6RHaBPr-KFzNOXqy6YGW6EGvqu3jg/edit?tab=t.0
Both links are from United Way of Blount County; we are sharing them here so parishioners can find the latest information quickly.
If you need food right now
1. Our Lady of Fatima (Alcoa)
858 Louisville Rd, Alcoa, TN 37701 • (865) 982-3672
Office hours: Mon–Thu 8:30–4:00, Fri 8:30–2:30
- Blessing Box in the parking lot — take what you need, 24/7/365
- Walk-in assistance during office hours (food, gas, and clothing gift cards as available)
- We can connect you with local partner agencies
- No one is turned away because of language, religion, background, national origin, or current financial status.
2. Community Food Connection of Blount County
137 N. Calderwood St. (New Midland Plaza), Alcoa, TN 37701 • (865) 977-4400
https://cfcblount.com
Hours:
Mon 10–12 • Wed 10–2 • Thu 5–7 p.m. • Sat 10–12
Veterans: 3rd Sat 2–4 p.m.
Come during open hours and shop for groceries — low barrier, welcoming.
3. Second Harvest Food Bank – Blount County
136 Harvest Lane, Maryville, TN 37801 • (865) 521-0000
https://secondharvestetn.org
- Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (call before you go)
- Emergency Food Boxes by drive-thru, no residency required
- Monthly Blount mobile pantry — check United Way and the United Way live doc for the latest.
4. Local businesses, restaurants, and community meals
These change often during the shutdown. Please check:
If you can help
- Bring small, ready-to-eat items to keep the Blessing Box stocked.
- Bring weekend food to the labeled narthex baskets (CFC & local veterans).
- Drop off gift cards (Kroger, Walmart, Food City, gas) or a donation at the parish office.
- Volunteer or donate to Martha’s Hands (1st & 3rd Wednesdays).
- Businesses: call United Way of Blount County at (865) 982-2251 to be added.
Best items to donate
Blessing Box: pop-top cans, tuna/chicken pouches, small PB, mac/ramen cups, granola bars, fruit cups, kids’ snacks, travel-size hygiene.
Community Food Connection: canned meats/beans/veggies/fruit, pasta/sauce/rice, cereal, shelf-stable milk, PB&J, diapers/wipes.
Please avoid expired food, very large #10 cans, open/used items, or glass for the Blessing Box.
Need help but can’t scan?
Call Our Lady of Fatima at (865) 982-3672 or United Way of Blount County at (865) 982-2251. You can also dial 2-1-1 for same-day food options.
Our Lady of Fatima
