In Bristol, Tennessee, city officials have initiated a charitable drive aimed at gathering essential ingredients to prepare meals, addressing the recent interruption in federal SNAP funding. This initiative, known as “Recipes for Relief,” is designed to provide community members with much-needed support during this challenging time.

According to a statement from the city, the “Recipes for Relief” program follows a straightforward four-step process. Community members are encouraged to donate specific items, which can be dropped off either bagged or unbagged at designated locations during specified times.

• Pick a recipe — Choose one or more recipes from the city’s suggested meal kits: BBQ chicken burrito bowls, Zesty chicken chili and chips, Creamy chicken and dumplings and Easy soda sheet cake. Click here for a complete list.
• Shop with purpose — Buy only the listed non-perishable items on the shopping list.
• Drop off your donation — Deliver items to one of the city’s collection sites. (listed below)
• City packs and distributes — Each completed kit becomes a hearty meal for one of your neighbors in need.

Once enough recipe bags have been compiled, these will be distributed from any Bristol, TN fire station. The city emphasizes that there will be no questions asked during the pickup process, and the bags will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Bristol, TN City Hall
  • 801 Anderson Street, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Slater Center
  • 325 McDowell Street, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday
• Any Bristol, TN Fire Station
  • 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week
    • Fire Station 1 – 211 Bluff City Highway
    • Fire Station 2 – 1848 King College Road
    • Fire Station 3 – 500 17th Street
    • Fire Station 4 – 361 Exide Drive
    • Fire Station 5 – 1404 Highway 11W (behind Weigel’s)

To keep the community informed, the city will provide updates on the availability of these recipe bags. Announcements will be made through their official website and social media platforms, ensuring residents can access the assistance they need promptly.

The city will announce when bags are available on its website and social media, the release said.