Over the last week, First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability (FTAAAD) staff distributed 2,500 emergency food boxes to area senior and community centers around the District. From there, boxes will be distributed to anyone 60 years of age or older that needs one.
Assembled by a locally-owned business, Chef 5 Minute Meals, each box contains five shelf-stable meals. The menu includes chicken pasta parmesan, beef stew, chicken creole with brown rice. The FTAAAD contracted with Chef 5 Minute Meals, to combat food insecurity, and ensure that seniors can remain in their homes longer, especially in an emergency. “It’s important to the FTAAAD and the Development District that we support local businesses wherever possible. Chef 5 Minute meals met the bid requirements, and has been a pleasure to work with every step of the way,” said Kathy Whitaker, Director of the FTAAAD.
This meal box distribution is the third by the FTAAAD and is funded by the Older Americans Act. These emergency food boxes ensure that seniors in the region, including those most at risk for food insecurity, have nutritious meals on hand when needed. Because each box is shelf-stable, and does not require refrigeration, meals can be stored for long periods of time and utilized in an emergency, such as loss of power or severe weather.
The FTAAD plans on distributing additional meal boxes in advance of Thanksgiving, sometime in early November. For questions about this project, or the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, please call Kathy Whitaker, (423) 722-5102.
More about the First Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability
The FTAAAD’s mission is to improve the quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities who live in the eight counties of Northeast Tennessee by advocating, setting policy, identifying local needs, providing services, coordinating resources, and providing information to promote a continuum of care which supports independence, choice, and empowerment for those we are committed to serve. For more information, call 423-928-3258 or visit www.ftaaad.org.
For questions related to this story or the FTDD, please contact Mark Stevans, Director of Communications & Special Projects, mstevans@ftdd.org.