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‘Brain Food’ need increases as federal aid reduced

Posted at 5:03 pm January 25, 2022
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Roane State Community College Brain Food volunteer Mariella Akers, left, with Sue Byrne from First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge, a sponsor for the pantry. (Photo courtesy Roane State)

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

“Brain Food,” the name of Roane State Community College’s pantry for students at the Oak Ridge Branch Campus, has seen a big increase in students taking advantage of the free service.

A reduction in federal assistance that went into effect in late September is seen as one of the reasons for the uptick, an official said.

At the Oak Ridge campus, between nine and 11 students were helped by Brain Food each week during the Spring 2021 semester, while that number jumped to 18 to 20 students in the fall.

Last year, more than 120 students were served. After tallying the reported members of each student’s household, pantry staffers estimate that a total of 373 people received assistance in 2021. Mariella Akers, Oak Ridge faculty secretary and Brain Food volunteer, added that 120 of those household members were children.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: College, Community, Education, Education, Front Page News, Slider Tagged With: Brain Food pantry, First Presbyterian Church, food assistance, food pantry, Kroger, Lisa Steffensen, Mariella Akers, Oak Ridge, Roane State Community College, Second Harvest Food Bank, Sue Byrne, Zero Hunger Zero Waste

‘Brain Food’ pantry opens at Roane State’s Oak Ridge campus

Posted at 9:29 am January 27, 2020
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Brain Food Pantry Roane State 1
Sue Byrne, third from right, cuts the ribbon for the new Brain Food pantry, located in Roane State Community College’s Coffey/McNally Building in Oak Ridge. She is the assistant project manager for the First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge’s partnership to help stock the campus’s pantry. From left are Scott Niermann, executive director of the Roane State Foundation; Kristie Hopwood, agency relations coordinator for Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee; Kara Allen, an assistant manager of the Kroger Store in Oak Ridge; Melissa Eads, corporate affairs manager for the Kroger Nashville Division; Byrne; Karen Brunner, vice president of Roane State Institutional Effectiveness and Research; and Roane State President Chris Whaley. (Photo courtesy Roane State)

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

It’s a vexing, persistent problem nationally: food insecurity issues experienced by many college students. Roane State Community College is again doing something about it.

That’s the message delivered by Chris Whaley, president of the community college, during the formal opening of the Brain Food Pantry on the college’s Oak Ridge campus.

Some 40 percent of college students nationwide “struggle with hunger,” Whaley told the crowd attending the ribbon-cutting in the former Anderson Grille in the campus’s Coffey/McNally Building.

Making sure students—and their families—have proper and adequate nutrition “is as much a part of student success as what happens in the classroom,” said Karen Brunner, the college’s vice president of institutional effectiveness and research.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: College, Education, Front Page News, Top Stories Tagged With: Brain Food pantry, Chris Whaley, First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge, food pantry, Karen Brunner, Kroger Foundation, Roane State Community College, Roane State Foundation, Sandy Vann, Second Harvest Food Bank, Sue Byrne

Bluegrass mass concert will help Second Harvest Food Bank

Posted at 12:32 pm October 9, 2019
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Tim Sharp (Submitted photo)

A unique blend of bluegrass and classical choral music and lively Appalachian storytelling will be presented on October 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church of Knoxville, 2829 Kingston Pike.

The University of Tennessee Chamber Choir and the choirs of First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge and Second Presbyterian Church of Knoxville will perform the choral music. The event is free and open to the public, but an offering will be taken to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank, which serves both Anderson and Knox counties, a press release said.

“Come Away to the Skies: A High Lonesome Mass,” composed by Tim Sharp and Wes Ramsay, will be the main musical feature, the press release said. It combines the classical structure of the mass with bluegrass and mountain music performed by guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and voice.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, Entertainment, Front Page News, Music, Nonprofits, Top Stories Tagged With: bluegrass, bluegrass mass, choral, classical, First Presbyterian Church, Second Harvest Food Bank, Second Presbyterian Church, Tim Sharp, University of Tennessee Chamber Choir

First pageant for special needs girls on Saturday

Posted at 2:14 pm November 12, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

The first Miss Sparkle Princess Pageant for special needs girls will be Saturday at the Grove Theater in Oak Ridge.

Fifteen teenage girls from many area cities are entered in the pageant, which is sponsored by WVLT Local 8 news and many Oak Ridge and Knoxville businesses, a press release said. Erin Barnett, Local 8 news anchor will emcee the pageant, which is expected to become an annual event.

It’s scheduled to start at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 15. The cost to attend the pageant is non-perishable food items that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

The press release said the pageant was created and is being directed by 17-year-old Abigail Ridenour of Oak Ridge.

Filed Under: Community, Front Page News Tagged With: Abigail Ridenour, Erin Barnett, Grove Theater, Miss Sparkle Princess Pageant, pageant, Second Harvest Food Bank, special needs girls, WVLT

Guest column: ‘Tis the season of giving

Posted at 10:56 pm December 19, 2013
By Oak Ridge Today Guest Columns Leave a Comment

By Charles, Edwena, Rebecca, and Nicholas Crowe

United Way of Anderson County’s 2013-14 Campaign Chairing Family

As the holidays are upon us, we are reminded of how fortunate we are and become increasingly aware of how many others do not share our good fortune. Donors are inundated with requests for food, spare change, and gifts to make the holidays brighter for those who are struggling. It is a season of giving, so to speak, but what happens when the calendar strikes January? Back to work, back to school, and back to our routines, but the needs are still there for many in our community. There are still more than 50 percent of children on reduced lunch programs in our schools, there are still families visiting emptying food pantries, and working poor who make every effort to support their families and still have to choose between paying the electric bill or the rent. United Way of Anderson County works to mobilize the caring power of our community to create lasting change.

UWAC had to reduce funding to our partner agencies by $200,000 last year. These agencies do a phenomenal job of leveraging their allocations and running their programs so efficiently, doing more with less. A dollar a week in our pocket doesn’t seem to go very far, but $1 a week invested in the Green Thumb Garden Program run by Second Harvest Food Bank can provide gardening supplies to grow $1,400 of food for three families, fresh produce that is not often found on pantry shelves. Ten dollars a week can provide emergency food, clothing, and shelter by American Red Cross for a family of three in a time of crisis. Each year, a team of more than 30 community volunteers closely audits the agencies and programs requesting funding. Your friends and neighbors make certain your dollars are being efficiently invested. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Guest Columns Tagged With: American Red Cross, Charles Crowe, children, Edwena Crowe, food pantries, funding, giving, holidays, Nicholas Crowe, poor, Rebecca Crowe, season, Second Harvest Food Bank, United Way of Anderson County, UWAC

Oak Ridge Civic Ballet supports Second Harvest

Posted at 6:58 pm November 26, 2013
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

ORCBA Angels

The Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association said it was proud to give back with a promotion for Second Harvest during their recent “Nutcracker” performances. Pictured above are ORCBA angels. (Submitted photo)

Submitted

In appreciation of the support from the East Tennessee community during the past 50 years, the Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association was proud to give back with a promotion for Second Harvest during their recent “Nutcracker” performances. Patrons who donated five items for Second Harvest East Tennessee received special discounts on ticket prices.

A similar promotion with a local nonprofit agency that benefits lower income families in our area is planned for the spring production of “Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake” on April 5, 2014. More specific information will be posted at www.orcba.org as it becomes available.

ORCBA holds the longest continuously-standing dance charter in the state of Tennessee. The organization’s goal is to provide a clean, safe, fun, professional environment for dancers of all abilities and ages to perform before a live audience. ORCBA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Filed Under: Community, Community, Dancing, Entertainment, Front Page News, Nonprofits Tagged With: East Tennessee, Nutcracker, Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association, ORCBA, Second Harvest Food Bank

Methodist church has Oct. 30 fundraising festival for Second Harvest

Posted at 9:12 am October 11, 2013
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Canned Food Labyrinth

Pictured above is a food labyrinth like the one that will be constructed at a Harvest Festival at First United Methodist Church on Oct. 30. (Submitted photo)

A fall festival at the end of this month will raise money for Second Harvest Food Bank.

The annual Harvest Festival is scheduled from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, on the front lawn of First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge.

Children are encouraged to wear a costume and celebrate with crafts, games, inflatables, and face painting, a press release said.

Second Harvest is East Tennessee’s local food bank. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Churches, Community, Nonprofits, Top Stories Tagged With: auction, First UMC, First United Methodist Church, food bank, food labyrinth, fundraiser, Harvest Festival, Kate Nintcheu, Second Harvest, Second Harvest Food Bank

NNSA Production Office tops Feds Feed Families campaign goal

Posted at 1:27 pm September 12, 2013
By NNSA Production Office 2 Comments

Second Harvest

NNSA Production Office employees deliver food to the Second Harvest facility in Maryville that serves a multi-county area of East Tennessee.  Shown from left to right are Jim Goss, Julieanne Rendon, Donna Riggs, Rebekah Nwangwa, Ken Rhyne, James Piatek, Mark Sundie, and Steven Wyatt. (Photo courtesy NPO)

Employees of the National Nuclear Security Administration Production Office, or NPO, have donated 17,348 pounds of food as part of the annual U.S. Department of Energy’s “Feds Feed Families” campaign. The campaign, which ended on Sept. 6, surpassed the goal of 17,000 pounds.

“I am extremely proud and moved by the generosity of NPO employees,” said Steve Erhart, NNSA Production Office manager. “Each year, the Feds Feed Families food drive reminds us there are people in our own communities who go to bed hungry. Serving our country starts at home, and that is what this effort is all about.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, National Nuclear Security Administration, Top Stories, U.S. Department of Energy, Y-12 National Security Complex Tagged With: Amarillo, Broc Carter, Elaine Streno, Feds Feed Families, food, High Plains Food Bank, Maryville, National Nuclear Security Administration Production Office, NNSA Production Office, NPO, Pantex Plant, Second Harvest Food Bank, Steve Erhart, U.S. Department of Energy, Y-12 National Security Complex

Roane Chamber announces 2013 Youth Leadership Academy graduates

Posted at 1:09 am July 6, 2013
By Roane County Chamber of Commerce Leave a Comment

Roane Chamber Youth Leadership Academy Graduates

The Roane Chamber’s 2013 Youth Leadership Academy graduates and their schools:
(Back row, left to right) Kara Brindley (Rockwood High), Samantha Schaefer (home schooled), Hunter McClure (Roane County High), Peyton Jones (Oliver Springs High), Shelby Dailey (Midway High), and Jordan Zurcher (Roane County High); (Front row, left to right) Sarah Hooper (Academy Director, Roane State Community College faculty), Jonathan Cate (Oliver Springs High), Bryce Laughlin (Rockwood High), Ian Barnett (home schooled), Hayden Hester (Midway High), Matt Snow (Harriman High), and Lindsey Seymour (Harriman High).

Twelve Roane County high school students graduated this year from Roane County Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Leadership Academy held at Roane State Community College. The students, representing the county’s five high schools and home-schooled groups, formed six school teams. As a part of the academy requirements, each team will be completing a community service project in the coming months.

The students and their school teams are: Lindsey Seymour and Matt Snow for Harriman High; Shelby Dailey and Hayden Hester for Midway High; Jonathan Cate and Peyton Jones for Oliver Springs High; Hunter McClure and Jordan Zurcher for Roane County High; Kara Brindley and Bryce Laughlin for Rockwood High; and Ian Barnett and Samantha Schaefer are home-schooled. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Business, Education, Roane County, Top Stories Tagged With: Bryce Laughlin, Field House Beautification, Freedom Run, Harriman High School, Hayden Hester, home school, Hunter McClure, Ian Barnett, Jonathan Cate, Jordan Zurcher, Kara Brindley, Kathy Parks, Leadership Committee, Lindsey Seymour, Matt Snow, Midway High School, Oliver Springs High School, Peyton Jones, Project Pick-up, Roane County Chamber of Commerce, Roane County High School, Roane State Community College, Rockwood High School, Run for Operation Reach, Samantha Schaefer, Sarah Hooper, Second Harvest Food Bank, Shelby Dailey, The Christmas H.U.G., The Roane Alliance, Youth Leadership Academy

Answer Financial to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank

Posted at 12:17 pm November 13, 2012
By Dawn Huotari Leave a Comment

Answer Financial Inc., a local insurance agency, hopes to help Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee by making a donation to the food bank for every resume it receives during a career fair in West Knoxville today.

The company, one of the largest auto and home insurance agencies in the United States, is planning to hire 75 sales associates in the Knoxville area by the end of the year.

Residents and job seekers with sales or customer service experience can take part in the fair at the Holiday Inn on Cedar Bluff from noon to 7 p.m. today. The career fair will include guests Josh and Will of Sports Animal radio.

“We’re trying to get the word out on the large number of open positions and great career opportunities we have at Answer Financial, while at the same time providing help to a nonprofit organization that does great work in the community,” said Lance Dawson, the company’s human resources director.

He said Answer Financial, which has offices in Oak Ridge, is hiring for November, December, and January training classes. The goal is to hire 75 new associates before year-end and more than 100 in 2013 in the Knoxville area alone. Answer Financial represents more than 20 insurance companies, including The Hartford, Safeco, Progressive, and Esurance.

Applicants can email their resumes to [email protected] or visit the website at www.answerfinancial.com/careers.

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: Answer Financial, career fair, Second Harvest Food Bank

UT-Battelle donates $60,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank

Posted at 9:52 pm September 26, 2012
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

ORNL and Second Harvest

Second Harvest Food Bank Executive Director Elaine Streno accepts the first $20,000 installment of a $60,000 UT-Battelle donation from Oak Ridge National Laboratory Director Thom Mason. (Photo submitted by ORNL)

UT-Battelle gave Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee $20,000 on Wednesday.

It’s the first part of a three-year, $60,000 donation to help the local nonprofit organization feed hungry East Tennessee residents, a press release said.

UT-Battelle, which manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy, donated the money at its annual United Way Leadership Giver’s Breakfast, the release said.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Community, U.S. Department of Energy Tagged With: donation, Elaine Streno, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Second Harvest Food Bank, Thom Mason, UT-Battelle

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Classifieds

Availability of the draft environmental assessment for off-site depleted uranium manufacturing (DOE/EA-2252)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announces the … [Read More...]

Public Notice: NNSA announces no significant impact of Y-12 Development Organization operations at Horizon Center

AVAILABILITY OF THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE OFFSITE HOUSING OF THE Y-12 DEVELOPMENT … [Read More...]

ADFAC seeks contractors for five homes

Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) is a non-profit community based agency, … [Read More...]

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