CLINTON, Tenn. — The Anderson County Community Action Commission is making sure its clients don't go hungry this winter. Tammy Crowe, its executive director, said the nonprofit can be a vital lifeline for people.
"On average per month, we serve around roughly 1,200 — and that is for our nutrition only. That's not counting the other services we provide," Crowe said.
The nonprofit's clients range from young families to the elderly. All of them are at or below 125% of the poverty level — a household income of roughly $39,000 per year for a family of four. A lot of clients also may not meet the requirements for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
"I'm gonna say our seniors are the ones who are impacted the most. Because, a lot of the time in the senior community, they make a dollar too much for SNAP or the food stamp program," said Crowe. "A dollar too much but yet they still are at the poverty guidelines."
The nonprofit said it wanted to make sure people were prepared for the holiday season. So, it gave out more than 35,000 lbs. of food on Wednesday. There was so much food that it had to be stored at an Army National Guard Base.
"It was a little overwhelming last Friday. Our eyes were huge, our mouths were hung open. So we called in the rescue team and they were up here and helped us. It's been fantastic," said Crowe.
The group also got assistance from the Anderson County Department of Corrections and Roane State Community College.
Anyone who lives in Anderson County and needs food assistance can find help from the community action commission online.