In Greene County, Tennessee, the Second Harvest Food Bank recently received a generous boost in the form of a $40,000 donation. This impressive sum came together thanks to local philanthropist Scott Niswonger, who matched the funds raised by the county for a vital food distribution event at the Greene County Fairgrounds on Wednesday evening.

The initiative was spearheaded by Mayor Kevin Morrison, who reached out to Niswonger with a request for support in anticipation of the food distribution. Morrison highlighted Niswonger’s philanthropic spirit, noting, “Scott’s a very good friend and is always inclined towards helping others. Through his generosity and our local government’s contributions, we effectively funded this event. Given the impact, we may need to organize similar events in the future. Our investment in such initiatives tends to yield a return almost threefold, significantly aiding the most vulnerable in our community.”

In Greene County, approximately 7,200 residents, which accounts for nearly 10% of the population, depend on SNAP benefits for their nutritional needs. Niswonger expressed his motivation for the donation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring equal access to food for those reliant on SNAP.

“Taking care of your family and then your neighbors is crucial,” Niswonger remarked. “Many of our neighbors are in need right now. Today, we expect about 1,700 cars to come through, all receiving these essential food supplies.”

Niswonger said he matched the funds, so everyone in Greene County who relies on SNAP will have an equal opportunity to get food.

“You take care of your own family, and then you take care of your neighbor, and these are neighbors that have a particular need right now,” he said. “We think we have about 1,700 cars here today and getting this very necessary food staple today.”

Second Harvest Food Bank launched its emergency SNAP Food Assistance Plan on Nov. 1 in response to federal SNAP benefits ceasing to flow.

So far, Second Harvest has stocked almost $600,000 worth of food for distributions this week. They’ve used half the sum so far.

Executive director of Second Harvest, Rhonda Chafin, said she’s incredibly grateful for the donation, and the money will go a long way.

“The resources are wearing thin to be able to meet all these needs, and the number of SNAP recipients we’re trying to serve is overwhelming,” she said. “100% of the donation will go to help SNAP recipients. 52,000 people are missing their benefits, over $10 million that they will not receive this month, and they need that for food.”

So far this week, Second Harvest has served nearly 3,000 families. Chafin added there’s still a lot of uncertainty to deal with and work to get done.

“We’re just encouraging the community to give,” she said. “We need more support to be able to source more food to meet all the needs of those that don’t have SNAP benefits. We encourage them to donate monetarily, donate time, or they can donate food or do a virtual food drive on our website.”