NEWPORT, Tenn. — Hurricane Helene brought severe flooding to Newport, leaving the Bread Basket, Cocke County’s oldest running food pantry, completely inoperable.
The nonprofit, which feeds over 1,000 families each month, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding without a permanent location.
“We have nothing. We are ground zero,” Trish Clapper, director of the non-profit, said. “We don’t have money to buy land, we don’t have money to build buildings. So it’s like, how do we do this and stay for the 1,000-plus families that depend on us?”
Despite the immense challenges, Clapper hasn’t given up hope. Since the flood, she has taken the Bread Basket mobile, driving around the community to deliver food to those still in need.
“We are acting on a mobile basis,” she said. “I’m still driving and helping people… We chose to still gather donations and help those on the outskirts who aren’t getting help.”
Clapper remains determined, inspired by a sign she carries with her that reads, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
This mantra fuels her efforts to create a new chapter for the Bread Basket as she continues to support the community.
“I’m just going with my normal people who I know need stuff and trying to take care of them,” Clapper said.
If you are interested in donating to The Bread Basket, you can find their GoFundMe here, or contact Trish directly through the Newport Bread Basket Facebook page.