Food Help During the Government Shutdown

This page is part of a coordinated community effort. Our Lady of Fatima is working alongside local churches, food pantries, and community agencies to make sure families know where to go for help during the federal government shutdown and any disruption or delay in food benefits like SNAP or WIC. United Way has said that when federal funding is interrupted, it can create “immediate strain on households” and increase demand on local food programs, so we are sharing their current resource lists and pointing to their live document so people can find up-to-date locations, hours, and emergency distributions.

Our goal is simple: no one should go without food because they didn’t know where to go — regardless of language, religion, background, national origin, or current financial situation.

If you and your family are in need of assistance, if you would like to help during this time, or if you can help us by spreading the word, please see the resources below.

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:

• https://unitedwayblount.org/
• United Way live/updating document

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.