Providing Healthy Snacks and Food for Families

In our community, like so many other communities in our state, is home to families who struggle with hunger and food insecurity. According to the Feeding America's 'Map the Meal Gap 2021' 13.8% of Northeast Tennesseans (around 71,000 individuals with 13,000 of those under the age of 18) are considered food insecure.

Food banks are getting contacted more than before requesting food assistance. Many families have been feeling the pressure from rising food costs, childcare costs and higher housing costs and it is difficult for many families to afford food. "Our club is continuously looking for impactful ways we can make a difference in the lives of our club families and the community." Jessica Poore, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport explained. "Whether it's eliminating weekly fees to help alleviate the financial burden families face in affording childcare or providing healthy snacks for our club kids and ingredients for dinner for our club families, our core value is to inspire all people, especially those who need us most, to have access to resources they need to live healthy lives."

The club was selected by the Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) and the Maytag Feel Good Fridge Program to provide the club with resources to stock the Maytag Feel Good Fridge with healthy and fresh food to be accessible to Club Families and members in need of such food items. Food items include fruits and vegetables, lean meats and poultry, juices and milk, eggs, cheeses, yogurt, and other healthy options.

The Club plans to restock the fridge every couple of weeks or as the food supply gets low. The fridge is available to kids and families during normal after-school club hours. Availability of food is not always guaranteed, and food items are available on a first come first served basis. The Club does ask its club members to be considerate of other families of the club and please take what you need.

Any organization who would like to participate in this beneficial program is encouraged to reach out to Jessica Poore at jessicap@kbgc.org or Jonathan Albarado at jonathana@kbgc.org. "Our club is here to help the families who need us," Jonathan Albarado, Director of Development said. "However, we understand the importance of having the support of the individuals in our community and local businesses and organizations which is why we encourage everyone who wants to help us, to please do so. It really does make a difference."

About Maytag® Feel Good Fridge
The Maytag® Feel Good Fridge is a donated refrigerator located at select Boys & Girls Clubs across the country that will be stocked with healthy food for Club kids and their families to take when in-need. Boys & Girls Clubs in Los Angeles, New York, Detroit and Grand Rapids will be the first to receive Feel Good Fridges and Maytag has placed additional Feel Good Fridges in Clubs around the country, including the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport. To learn more about the program or how to get involved, please visit maytag.com/feelgoodfridge.