Cars began queuing around 9 p.m. Friday outside St. Patrick’s Church parking lot near the FedExForum, forming a line that stretched roughly a half‑mile before sunrise Saturday. The overnight gathering was part of a weekend food giveaway organized by the Mid‑South Food Bank, the Rotary Club and local churches.
Community volunteers and college students lead the effort
More than 150 students and faculty from Southwest Tennessee Community College joined hundreds of volunteers to pack and hand out groceries. Dr. Tracy Hall, a professor at the college, said the collaboration demonstrated the power of local institutions working together. “Food insecurity is a real issue in Memphis. The Mid‑South Food Bank, the Rotary Club and all the organizations that are out here today, they’re coming together collectively to say: We see you and we want to assist you in your time of need,” Hall explained.
Southwest Tennessee’s cheerleaders performed for the crowd, and Opera Memphis provided live music, creating a hopeful atmosphere for those waiting in line.
Recipients share their stories
Many of the individuals receiving assistance said this was their first or second time relying on the food bank. Ellen Barker, a longtime client, expressed gratitude, noting that she can no longer afford groceries at the supermarket and that the food bank is “very important” to the community. Sheila Goodman echoed the sentiment, adding, “People are hurting. Rent is going up. Salaries are not.”
Izear Dorsey, another client, highlighted the impact of rising prices: “Everything is kind of high. Groceries are high and everything is going up. This is kind of a relief. I appreciate it.”
Partners secure discounted food supplies
St. Patrick Community Outreach purchased a truckload of food at a deep discount from the Mid‑South Food Bank, ensuring that the line continued to grow after sunrise. Evelyn Malone, a volunteer, emphasized the broader reach of the organization: “They give back to the whole Mid‑South community. And without people giving their money and support, they would not be able to accomplish that goal.”
Increasing need recognized by food‑bank leaders
Reginald Alexander of the Mid‑South Food Bank confirmed that demand has risen sharply. “We know the needs are up. We know from our pantries and our partner agencies, they’re reporting that more people are showing up. They’re reporting new people are showing up that they’ve never seen before,” he said. “Those people who were in need before are even more in need now, and that’s something that we’ve got to keep at the center of our minds.”
The successful giveaway underscores the strength of Memphis’s faith‑based and civic networks in addressing a pressing social challenge. As food prices continue to climb, the community’s coordinated response offers a model of compassion and practical support for families across the Mid‑South.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.
