Food for the Hungry of Knox County has announced a significant grant to The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon. The $10,000 award will be used to purchase a new refrigerator and freezer for the organization's Choice Pantry, which is currently undergoing renovations. Originally built in 1993, the service center is being updated to better meet community needs.
"Choice pantries are now the preferred model nationwide," said FFTH President Austin Swallow. "Allowing individuals and families to 'shop' for foods they will use preserves dignity and ensures no food goes to waste." The new refrigeration units will enable the pantry to offer fresh produce, milk, eggs, and a variety of frozen items.
The grant was funded using "set-aside" funds from previous FFTH Drives where donations exceeded goals. In 2023, FFTH made a similar contribution to Interchurch Social Services for a new refrigerator.
The Salvation Army's services in Knox County have been vital. Between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025, they provided 19,620 meals through pantry assistance and served 2,936 people. They also offered meals and snacks to youth through various programs and distributed backpacks filled with school supplies to local students.
Additionally, The Salvation Army plans to open a new childcare facility in January 2026 that will accommodate up to 112 children.
FFTH continues its efforts with a campaign goal of collecting $340,000 along with non-perishable food items for its partners—Interchurch Social Services and The Salvation Army. A portion of these funds will be allocated as grants in 2026.
FFTH recently awarded $55,000 in Winter Grants to local organizations—the highest amount in its history. The organization credits donor support for making these contributions possible.
For more information or to get involved with Food For The Hungry of Knox County's initiatives or events like their Live Broadcast on December 12th, visit their website or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook (@FoodForTheHungryKnoxCounty) and Instagram (@FFTHCares).
Information from this article can be found here.
