$5 million given to food banks statewide this year to help residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

KNOXVILLE — The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation is giving $250,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee to help meet the needs of community members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This gift provides additional support following the $500,000 the foundation awarded to Second Harvest in March.

Food banks across the state have been facing increased demand since the onset of the pandemic, as many Tennesseans turn to them for support. While many organizations have been able to sustain operations throughout 2020, donations are leveling off and the beginning of 2021 remains uncertain.

“In a year as devastating as 2020, donor support continues to be imperative in the fight to end hunger. Second Harvest expresses the most sincere gratitude to the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation for its continuous support of the mission,” said Elaine Streno, executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. “With more than 239,000 East Tennesseans now facing food insecurity due to the pandemic, this generous gift could not come at a better time. We are extremely thankful."

The donation to Second Harvest is part of a combined $1.75 million contribution the BlueCross Foundation is making now to continue helping communities across the state. With this latest funding, the foundation has provided $5 million to Tennessee food banks since March. Other organizations receiving contributions include:

• Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee (Nashville)
• Mid-South Food Bank (Memphis)
• Chattanooga Area Food Bank
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee (Tri-Cities)
• Regional Inter-Faith Association (Jackson)