THE PANTRY AT THE BETH
It is our mission to distribute healthy and nutritious groceries directly to people in need and provide emergency or short-term assistance with food when possible. While the exact type of food provided will vary based on the pantry or resources available at the food bank, in general, we provide perishable items, vegetables, bread, frozen items, and other forms of nutritious meals. Our food is collected through donations, food drives, or direct purchases from our partner, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. The mission of our food pantry is to alleviate food insecurity and assist in the cultivation of healthy eating habits and a healthy lifestyle.
Pantry Operating Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m
Thursday: 9:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m
Friday: Closed
Referrals or educational resources on government assistance programs, counseling, or nonfinancial support such as clothing is also available through our pantry.
Food Pantry Coordinator:
Temekia Reed
(423) 400 - 0063
treed@thebeth.org
Food Box Distribution
Go-Go Bags are meal supplements for clients who are in evident need of food immediately. Clients will be asked to complete a short intake process. Bags will not exceed 12 pounds, enough for about three days of food.
211 Client Referrals are always the client's choice. Clients will be allowed to shop in the pantry by choosing their own selections from the foods that are available.
Sugar Please is a Diabetic Food Box Program that works with food pantry clients who have pre-diabetes, diabetes, hypertension, or obesity. The program provides access to healthy and nutritious foods that they may not otherwise have access to. Sugar Please clients will receive free healthy, diabetes-appropriate food boxes with fresh produce, whole grains, and lean meats in addition to normal food pantry items that are diabetic-friendly. Clients will also receive culturally and ethnically sensitive recipes, along with free nutrition, diabetes, and healthy lifestyle education resources.
Walk-In Emergency Food Boxes will be given out on a case-by-case basis. The client will be asked to complete the intake process. Once completed the client will then receive a food box weighing between 25-40 pounds contingent upon the household and the number of children present in the household. One box may be received monthly.
All Bethlehem Center policies and guidelines will be adhered to during any client's visit, to assure the dignity and respect of all parties involved.
Eligibility Criteria
Our food pantry has established our own eligibility criteria and application process. This criteria includes and is not limited to residency in a specific area, income limits, and frequency of use (for example, a food bank may have a once a month limit). For a detailed description of our eligibility criteria, please call us at (423) 266-1384 ext. 107.
Services and Fees
Nonperishable and sometimes fresh food is provided to eligible participants. There is no fee.