Local Food Relief

When families face unexpected challenges, our community steps up.

Due to the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are expected to be unavailable for Tennesseans in November. This temporary interruption means that thousands of local families, including children and senior citizens throughout the Ocoee Region, who rely on SNAP to help put food on the table may experience a lapse in assistance, creating a hardship in accessing food and other basic essentials.

United Way of the Ocoee Region and its Ocoee Connect Resource and Referral Network are working alongside local non-profit, faith-based, and corporate partners to help fill the gap. Below you’ll find options to donate, volunteer, or access a list of local resources, including food pantries, meal programs, and other community services available to support individuals and families in need.

United, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

 

Make a Difference Today.

Your tax-deductible monetary gift helps provide food and hope for families affected by the SNAP benefit interruption. Every dollar directly supports neighbors in need, ensuring they have access to the essentials that sustain them through this challenging time.

To make a direct food donation or organize a food drive, please visit our Volunteer tab for a list of local agencies currently accepting donations and the specific items most needed to support our community.

Click here to make a monetary donation. Please select "Food Relief" in the target dropdown.

You may also donate via check made payable to United Way of the Ocoee Region. 

Mail to: 
United Way of the Ocoee Region
PO Box 193
Cleveland, TN 37364

Lend a Hand. Make an Impact.

When our neighbors face food insecurity, volunteers play a vital role in meeting the need. From sorting donations and packing food boxes to helping distribute meals at local pantries, every hour you give helps ensure families in our community don’t go hungry. Join United Way of the Ocoee Region and our partner agencies in filling the gap.

Local Agencies in Need of Volunteers for Food Relief

If your agency is in need of volunteers, we’d love to help connect you with people ready to make a difference! Contact Shawna Staup at shawnastaup@unitedwayocoee.org or 423-479-2020 with your current volunteer opportunities so we can share them with our network. Together, we can match caring community members with the causes that need them most.

The Caring Place

  • Support the upcoming Southern Heritage Community Food Drive by dropping off canned or shelf-stable goods on Friday, November 7 at Southern Heritage Bank located at 3020 Keith Street (Cleveland).
  • Create a bag of food for a family of four, providing six meals for under $35 to help families access valuable resources. Drop off at The Caring Place and they will distribute through their network. Visit The Caring Place's Walmart Registry for more information.

Mission Parish Church: 24/7 donation to stock fridge and pantry
Volunteer Contact (food stocking): 615-840-2809

  • Shelf-stable canned goods (soups, vegetables, beans, meats)
  • Dry goods (rice, pasta, cereal, flour, etc.)
  • Protein sources (frozen meat, peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken)
  • Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs)
  • Bread and baked goods
  • Fresh produce
  • Ready-to-eat or frozen meals

Cleveland, TN Community Resources
Any donations to pack food pantries
Alicia Conboy - clevelandtncommunityresources@gmail.com - 423-790-4724

  • Shelf-stable canned goods (soups, vegetables, beans, meats)
  • Dry goods (rice, pasta, cereal, flour, etc.)
  • Protein sources (frozen meat, peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken)
  • Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs)
  • Bread and baked goods
  • Fresh produce
  • Ready-to-eat or frozen meals
  • Household or hygiene items (toothpaste, diapers, paper goods)

Bradley Cleveland Community Services Agency 
Accept donations: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 4 pm and Friday 8 am - 12pm 

  • Shelf-stable canned goods (soups, vegetables, beans, meats)
  • Dry goods (rice, pasta, cereal, flour, etc.)
  • Household or hygiene items (toothpaste, diapers, paper goods)

Feeding God’s Lambs - Polk County

  • Shelf-stable canned goods (soups, vegetables, beans, meats)
  • Dry goods (rice, pasta, cereal, flour, etc.)
  • Protein sources (frozen meat, peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken)
  • Bread and baked goods
  • Fresh produce
  • Ready-to-eat or frozen meals
  • Snack pack items - we will give out more snack packs - doubling for some kids

Barbara's Market - Cleveland City Schools
Donations accepted on Tuesdays from 1-5 pm at on the Spring Street side of The Denning Center for Family and Community Resources (350 Central Avenue).

PRIORITY DONATIONS:

  • Non-Perishable Food:  Peanut Butter, Canned Fruit, Spaghetti / Tomato Sauce, Breakfast Items
  • Clothing: Youth - All Sizes, Men's Pants - All Sizes, Baby Clothes, Youth Underwear {NEW}, youth shoes
  • Household: Crock Pots, Pots & Pans, Lightly Used Towels, linens
  • Hygiene Items: Travel Size, First Aid Supplies
  • Seasonal: Youth Costumes

Wishlist: Amazon Wishlist ... items purchased from the Wishlist will be shipped directly to the Family Resource Center.

Copper Basin Crisis Center - Polk and Fannin Counties (Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 am - 2:30 pm)

  • Shelf-stable canned goods (soups, vegetables, beans, meats)
  • Dry goods (rice, pasta, cereal, flour, etc.)
  • Protein sources (frozen meat, peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken)
  • Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs)
  • Bread and baked goods
  • Fresh produce
  • Ready-to-eat or frozen meals
  • Household or hygiene items (toothpaste, diapers, paper goods)
  • Gently used clothing and household items​​​​

Big Springs Baptist Church (Tuesdays from 9:30 - 11:30 am)

  • Shelf-stable canned goods (soups, vegetables, beans, meats)
  • Dry goods (rice, pasta, cereal, flour, etc.)
  • Protein sources (frozen meat, peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken)
  • Household or hygiene items (toothpaste, diapers, paper goods)
  • Liquid or unscented laundry detergent, dish soap

Wesley Memorial Church (Mondays and Thursdays from 9 am - 12 pm)

  • Shelf-stable canned goods (soups, vegetables, beans, meats)
    • Dry goods (rice, pasta, cereal, flour, etc.)
    • Household or hygiene items (toothpaste, diapers, paper goods)
  • Snack Pack donations 
    • Granola Bars, jerky sticks, Ramen Noodles, fruit cups

Support Stability for Local Families.

When vital programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are disrupted, it’s families, children, and seniors who feel the impact most. You can make a difference by using your voice to advocate for stability and support in our community. Reach out to your elected officials, share your story, and encourage others to speak up about the importance of consistent access to food assistance. Your voice matters and, together, we can help ensure that no one in our region goes hungry.

State Representatives

National Representatives

Find the Help You Need.

Through Ocoee Connect, you can easily access local programs and services offering support during this time. Whether you’re looking for food assistance, utility help, housing resources, or other essential needs, the United Way's Ocoee Connect Resource Guide can connect you directly to trusted community partners prepared to help.

Click the Ocoee Connect Resource Guide to explore available assistance in a variety of categories and find the support that’s right for you.

If you need additional assistance, contact Ocoee Connect at (423) 800-8008. 

Ocoee Connect Resource Guide - your one-stop resource for assistance in the Ocoee Region

Click here for a list of Chattanooga Area Food Bank Partners by County

For directions, open days/hours and other details, visit https://www.chattfoodbank.org/find-food/near-you