Chattanooga Area Food Bank has been awarded $50,000 in grant funding by Norfolk Southern Corporation to support its hunger relief efforts. The funds will be used to support the food bank’s flagship food pantry, Foxwood Food Center.
“This funding will have an immediate impact on the work we do,” said food bank President and CEO
Melissa Blevins. “We’re thankful to Norfolk Southern for investing in our community and for supporting our mission.”
Foxwood Food Center serves between 3,000-4,000 households every month.
The pantry is guest-choice, which allows neighbors to choose the food they receive. The pantry is equipped with fridges, freezers and shelves, providing guests a grocery-store-style experience. Last year, Foxwood Food Center provided food assistance to 42,914 families in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.
The grant is part of two community programs launched by Norfolk Southern in 2023: the Safety First Grant Program, which seeks to advance safety organizations and initiatives, and the Thriving
Communities Grant Program, which aims to promote economic opportunity, support vibrant community life and provide equal access to basic necessities.
Award recipients are selected annually from across the railroad’s 22-state network.