From left, Lori Bell, Temekia Reed, Melissa Blevins, Reggie Smith and Tania Berry
The Chattanooga Area Food Bank presented The Bethlehem Center with a check for $425,000 as part of a pass-through grant from Feeding America’s Food Security Equity Impact Fund. The fund was established in March 2021 to drive investments to communities of color which are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, ultimately addressing the root causes of hunger.
Last year, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and The Bethlehem Center submitted a joint proposal, and in June 2022, the food bank was one of 25 Feeding America members to be awarded in the initial round of funding. The proposal aimed to combat food insecurity among Chattanooga’s Black and Latino communities. Project outcomes included facilitating grassroots community participation in the city’s Alton Park neighborhood and establishing a Community Food Access Council to promote food sovereignty.
In early August the food bank and The Bethlehem Center were one of six grantees invited to a Feeding America conference in Houston, Texas. They reported on their collaboration and progress made possible by the award.
"We are immensely grateful and humbled by the generosity of Feeding America in supporting our partnership with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank,” said Reggie Smith, executive director of The Bethlehem Center. “With this generous support, we are equipped to make a profound difference in the lives of those facing hunger and to fortify our efforts in creating a community where no one has to worry about where their next meal will come from. This partnership with Feeding America marks a pivotal moment in our mission, as we work hand in hand to build a future where every individual can thrive without the burden of food insecurity.”
“We are committed to both providing equitable access to food and addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate food insecurity and food inequity,” said food bank President and CEO Melissa Blevins. “The Beth is committed to finding equity-based solutions through their programs, education, and expertise. They’re a valued member of the Chattanooga community, and a beloved partner of the food bank.”