NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The United Way of Greater Nashville is seeking help from the community in collecting food items and assembling meal boxes for families in need during the holidays.
The United Way says it created the Give Thanks Day of Action as a way to help relieve some of the financial burden that many families face during the holiday season.
Here’s how you can help:
Create a meal box: Visit United Way’s website for a list of pre-selected, non-perishable foods. Add a $25 gift card to Kroger, Walmart or Publix and follow the drop off instructions here. Sign up here by Nov. 6.
Donate directly to the drive: You can also donate $75 to provide a holiday meal.
According to the United Way, the average family of four receives $465 a month for food through public assistance programs, which breaks down to $5.16 per meal. The average cost of a traditional holiday dinner is roughly $60.
“Because of the generosity of donors throughout Greater Nashville, thousands of families will have the essentials to share a warm, holiday meal together,” said Brian Hassett, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Nashville. “With your help, we can provide some relief to families in need this holiday season.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has also increased the demand for food in our area, which has jumped from 600,000 pounds a week to a million pounds a week. The United Way says that’s a 40% increase since this time last year.
If you're in need of assistance, you can call 211 or visit unitedwaygreaternashville.org/211-helpline.
