NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Federal aid cuts have come to Middle Tennessee - this time landing on the doorstep of Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Newschannel5's Carrie Sharp learned Tuesday the non-profit will see a 30% reduction in aid from the USDA in the next quarter which amounts to 700,000 pounds of food, worth $600,000.
It's important to know that the cuts are not financial, but actual food that will no longer be delivered from the federal government. According to Second Harvest, 1 in 8 Middle Tennesseans face food insecurity. This week, it was announced that 21 tractor-loads of food from the USDA - worth $722,000 - were canceled as they were on their way to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.
That cancellation represents more than 377,000 pounds of food that were originally set to be delivered to East Tennessee families between April and July. Second Harvest says it's doing what it can to replace those products.
Community support is more important than ever. And on Wednesday, April 2, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee will host its Generous Helpings fundraiser at Marathon Music Works. From 6:00 - 8:30 PM, you can sample some of the best food Nashville has to offer - all while helping the food bank. Proceeds will benefit the grocery rescue program, which rescues frozen meat, produce, dairy, and non-perishable food items from more than 300 grocery stores.
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Do you have more information about this story? You can email us at newsroom@newschannel5.com.
A mother’s love. Nathalie Porter epitomizes the deep love mothers have for their children. And she bravely speaks out to confront stereotypes and bring awareness in the face of tragedy. I appreciated Amanda Roberts' compassionate reporting of a heartbreaking situation.
-Carrie Sharp
