First Baptist Church in Lenoir City has provided food and other supplies for approximately 900 families since the government shutdown affected SNAP benefits. – FBC Lenoir City photo
LENOIR CITY (BP) – The idea came up during a men’s Bible study on Oct. 29 at First Baptist Church. The government was shut down. The news said that, come Saturday, a lot of people were going to lose SNAP benefits that put food on the table.
Something needed to be done.
First Baptist Church doesn’t have a stocked food pantry, instead partnering with ministries like Operation Christmas Child or Mission of Hope, through which they “adopted” a school in Kentucky and provided food and other items for students. They work with Loudon County and Lenoir City resource centers throughout the year.
Discussions grew about how to help. Announcements came over social media for people to bring items. By the end of the second morning service, it became clear they needed a way to keep so many items refrigerated for the next day. Another person volunteered a refrigerator truck.
“This was totally lay-led,” said Jeff Bowden, executive pastor. “It’s a picture of Acts 6.”
The Tennessee Department of Human Services recorded 3,348 individuals in Loudon County receiving SNAP benefits in September.
Approximately 900 families have come by this week to receive bread, milk, cereal, orange juice, vegetables, fruit, pasta and other items to go with diapers and formula. A local company provided meat. Volunteers reported seeing people opening up a loaf of bread and eating before leaving the parking lot.
Local news outlets have reported on the outreach.
“I grew up, and during my high school years, we lived in poverty. And that is part of why my heart is here,” said church member Mae Dixon.
One recipient talked about how “multiple times” she had made her kids dinner with nothing left for herself. So, she went to bed hungry.
Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which serves nearly 42 million Americans each month, became another casualty Nov. 1 of the government shutdown. Churches, community organizations and businesses have responded by stepping in the gap.
“The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12 that the [church] body has many parts, not just one,” said church Communications Director Sabrina Stamper. “Pastor John has shared this in his recent messages. This has been a divine example of that illustration.
“It is taking all of us answering the Great Commandment and following the Great Commission to do this Kingdom work in such an efficient, organized manner.”
Plans are to continue the food distribution and giveaway as long as necessary. Stamper, 22 years at First Baptist, said recipients aren’t the only ones being filled.
“I get to see the church body living a life on mission. Our pillars at the church are truth, grace, love and missions,” she said. “These volunteers are doing every bit of that. They pray with the people. They share truth. They show grace. They love others with open arms and do the things God has called us to do.”
