Food and Nutrition

Beardsley Community Farm (CAC): 546-8446

Urban demonstration form that works to increase food security in Knoxville by providing fresh produce, accessible education, land, and resources for gardening.

Commodity Program (CAC): 546-3500

2247 Western Avenue, 37921 (street)
P.O. Box 51650, 37950-1650 (mailing)
Individuals received 1-2 bags of shelf-stable food provided by USDA. Must provide proof of Knox County residency upon pick-up. Distribution at the Ross Building, John T. O’Connor Senior Center, and South Knoxville Community Center. Call or visit the knoxcac.org website for distribution dates and times.

Congregate Meals (CAC): 524-2786

Office on Aging/Senior Nutrition Program 2247 Western Avenue, 37921 (street)
P.O. Box 51650, 37950-1650 (mailing)
A mid-day meal served in group dining facilities at several Knox County locations. Available to any Knox County resident 60+. Call the office to find the nearest location.

Green Thumb and Community Gardens (CAC): 546-3500

Promotes home gardening and provides free vegetable seeds and plants for low-to-moderate income gardeners in Knox County and helps gardens thrive in public housing developments by encouraging individuals to garden together and providing garden space. Seeds and plants can be acquired during February through April. Visit beardsleyfarm.org or call 254-5721 to see if your housing complex has a community garden.

Mobile Affordable Meal Service (CAC): 524-2786

Office on Aging
2247 Western Avenue, 37921 (street)
P.O. Box 51650, 37950-1650 (mailing)
Provides hot or cold lunches, utilizing the Knox County Mobile Meals delivery system, Mon. – Fri., to anyone of any age. Cold breakfasts and suppers available for delivery at same time. Five-day minimum; private pay. No in-home assessment.

Mobile Meals (CAC): 524-2786

Office on Aging/Senior Nutrition Program 2247 Western Avenue, 37921 (street)
P.O. Box 51650, 37950-1650 (mailing)
Home-delivered mid-day meal delivered by volunteers each weekday. Serving individuals age 60+ who, due to physical and mental limitations, are unable to leave their home and unable to prepare food, and have no one to prepare food for them. Called Meals on Wheels in other communities. Call to determine eligibility and schedule an in-home assessment.

Senior Meal Connect: 691-2551

East TN Area Agency on Aging & Disability 9111 Cross Park Drive, Suite D-100, 37923
Dial extension 4233. Partnership between ETAAAD and Second Harvest of East TN that serves seniors who are low-income and / or have mobility needs that prevent independent grocery-shopping. Boxes of shelf-stable and fresh food are delivered to the clients’ homes on a monthly basis. Available in limited counties.

SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (a.k.a. Food Stamps): 594-6151

TN Dept. of Human Services
2700 Middlebrook Pike, Suite 200, 37921
SNAP (formerly called Food Stamps) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.

SNAP Senior Outreach Program (CAC): 524-2786

2247 Western Avenue, 37921
Grant-funded assistance for adults age 60+ to apply for help with food and nutrition assistance through the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Extra deductible expenses for seniors to help qualify for SNAP.

Supplement Program (CAC): 546-3500

2247 Western Avenue, 37921
Dietary supplements (Ensure/Boost) for qualified Knox County residents with medical need. One case provided monthly. Call for application.