McCallie has partnered with local churches, businesses, and service organizations to create a food pantry in the Brainerd area of Chattanooga.
In its first day of operation on Wednesday, the newly established Brainerd Community Food Pantry provided food to 190 households, and predictions are that number will grow over the next year as the area continues to experience the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The food pantry, housed at Brainerd United Methodist Church, is operating under the umbrella of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and distributes food to financially stressed families in the 37411 ZIP code, which is adjacent to McCallie’s Missionary Ridge campus.
Bess Steverson, McCallie’s director of Development for Special Initiatives, said that helping organize and operate the food pantry is part of McCallie’s strategic initiative to provide leadership and service to the broader community beyond McCallie’s gates. She said that once COVID-19 restrictions are eased, the food pantry could provide an opportunity to McCallie students to help distribute the food.
Among the organizations that have teamed with McCallie and Brainerd United Methodist Church are the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, the Ridgeside, Shawnee Hills, and Brainerd Hills neighborhood associations, and Grace Episcopal Church.
To volunteer to help the food pantry, visit brainerdfoodpantry.com or email the brainerdfoodpantry@gmail.com.