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The News Observer
A newly formed group of volunteers, We Are Polk County, and Polk County schools are working to get food to residents and students alike.
Polk County Executive Robby Hatcher, working as one of We Are Polk County's volunteers, said Monday the group has bags of food available with more food arriving Wednesday (today). This past weekend they distributed 150 bags.
He said the group is working to help residents on both sides of the county.
Director of Schools James Jones announced, starting March 30, meals will be provided to any child less than 18 years of age.
Jones said school buses will be running regular routes Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to deliver meals.
Enough food will be delivered each day for two days, and the schools plan to also deliver the snack bags that go out to students on Fridays.
Hatcher said the school buses will also be supplied with grocery bags from the volunteer group to be handed out as needed.
Those needing food for children should contact their school principal, the child's teacher, or the school system central office at 423-299-0471.
Adults needing food are asked to contact:
Holly Stroud, 423-299-9057;
Ryan Quales, 423-715-0070;
Elois Ledford, 423-599-0656;
Robby Hatcher, 423-338-4527;
Go to the We Are Polk Facebook page and leave a private message;
Go to Robby Hatcher -County Executive-From Polk for Polk Facebook Page and leave a private message; or,
Email RobertHatcher06@yahoo.com.
Hatcher said the group is working to find a coordinator and volunteers for East Polk County, but groceries will still be delivered to whoever needs them.
He said the volunteers were able to make last weekend's deliveries thanks to the generosity of B&B Auction and they have partnered with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank for future deliveries.
Their effort is being headquartered at the First Baptist Church of Benton, but he encouraged churches to contact the group and set up as strategic points for distribution.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is also helping with the effort as deputies will have bags of groceries in their patrol cars.
American Medical Response (AMR) will be helping get the bagged food from the West side of the county to the East side of the county.