State Awards County Over $400k to Address Food Insecurity

Lewis County is proud to announce its award of a substantial state grant totaling $464,655.00 dedicated to combating food insecurity. This Community Development Block Grant will not only fortify local initiatives but also pave the way for a meaningful partnership with Hope Hohenwald Inc, formerly known as Operation Hope.

This grant awarded by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, underscores the commitment of both the state and local authorities to address the pressing issue of food insecurity within our community. The funds will be allocated strategically to support projects aimed at providing sustainable solutions to hunger-related challenges faced by residents. Lewis County plans to spend this state money on upgrading needed equipment for Hope Hohenwald's food distribution program, as well as expanding existing storage capacity and operational equipment to provide more outreach opportunities in the Lewis County Community.

"We are so grateful for the state's recognition of Lewis County's needs and this grant that will empower us to make a substantial impact on food insecurity," said County Mayor Jonah Keltner, "It's good to have State Senator Joey Hensley as our advocate in the General Assembly and appropriating this funding so that we can bring this money back to our community. We're also very thankful for all the hard work Kevin Baker, Houston Hamblin, and Tonya Woodward put into this grant, without them this would not have happened. I'm also appreciative of Lea Thomason and the South-Central Tennessee Development District and their role in administering this grant. This money will go a long way in Lewis County."

"This grant is life changing for food insecure citizens in Lewis County. The equipment that will be purchased not only will allow Hope Hohenwald's Food Distribution Outreach to increase capacity, but also will insure sustainability. Almost every piece of equipment from the forklift to the refrigerated truck needs repairing often. New equipment will add years of sustainability to the food outreach. More than 800 families were served during the last food distribution which was held on Thursday, November 16. We are seeing record numbers of need. This grant could not have come at a better time. We at Hope Hohenwald are grateful for the partnership with Lewis County Government that made this funding from the State of Tennessee possible." Stated Tonya Woodward, President & CEO of Hope Hohenwald Inc.

This grant signals a significant step forward in Lewis County's ongoing commitment to enhance the well-being of county residents by fostering healthier environments and providing needed access to food and healthy opportunities and lifestyles. This grant, along with a couple recent grant applications, will aid in providing a better quality of life for all residents – es