Knoxville City Council unanimously approves emergency ordinance for food assistance programs

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Knoxville City Council met Tuesday night and unanimously approved an emergency ordinance proposed by Mayor Indya Kincannon to help support food assistance programs.

This comes after the City of Knoxville said on Monday food banks and community food providers have reported significant requests for assistance following SNAP benefits being delayed earlier this month.

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With the ordinance passing, $100,000 will be allocated from the city’s unassigned fund balance to “address critical food shortages in Knoxville.” It will go to nonprofits and food pantries to give more food to the community.

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Additionally, the United Way of Greater Knoxville will match the amount with money from private doners, resulting in $200,000 total additional dollars.

United Way will also handle the allocation of the funds, opening an application process, and based on needs, they will distribute money to different organizations.

Prior to the meeting, Kincannon said this was not a long-term solution, but more of trying to make an impact on families who may be struggling.

“The things that the federal government does as a social safety net cannot be replaced by city taxpayers, but we’re helping out in this short window of acute need,” Kincannon said. “And if the issues persist, we hope that maybe the state of Tennessee and the federal government can step in and, you know, address the underlying issues.”

Chrystal Armstrong Brown, the president and CEO of United Way of Greater Knoxville, said these organizations are used to meeting a high need, but it’s now much higher than expected for this time of year because of the pause on SNAP benefits.

“Many of them have extended the hours that they serve or are really looking at mobile options because they’re seeing transportation barriers where seniors or individuals with disabilities have those needs but are not able to get out to be able to take advantage of a food distribution event,” she said.

Armstrong Brown added that 211, the emergency number people can call for food assistance, saw a 65% increase in October compared to last October.

In Knox County, there are nearly 35,000 residents who rely on SNAP benefits.