Food Banks and Pantries in Knoxville, TN
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee serves Knoxville, TN with an estimated 180 partner pantries and meal programs. Anyone in need can get free groceries or a hot meal -- most sites do not require ID or proof of income.
Last updated:
Knoxville at a Glance
180
Partner pantries & meal sites
Second Harvest
Regional Feeding America food bank
3+
Notable sites listed below
211
Free pantry locator hotline
How to Get Free Food in Knoxville
Knoxville is served by Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, based in Maryville, which supplies partner pantries across 18 counties. The metro has a mix of warehouse distributions, church-based pantries, and downtown mission soup kitchens. Food insecurity in East Tennessee is elevated among families with children and in rural counties surrounding the city.
Regional Food Bank: Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee
The primary Feeding America member food bank serving the Knoxville, TN area. It distributes food to an estimated 180 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across 18 counties in East Tennessee.
Notable Pantries and Meal Sites in Knoxville
This is a sample of well-known sites. For a full, current list of all pantries near you, use 211 or the food bank website above.
Soup Kitchens and Community Meals
Knoxville has a network of soup kitchens, with Knox Area Rescue Ministries serving daily meals and the Salvation Army hosting weekday lunch programs. Volunteer Ministry Center and local churches run evening meal sites. Second Harvest supplies many of these kitchens through its partner network across East Tennessee.
Mobile Pantry Program
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee runs mobile pantry distributions across the 18-county region, including scheduled stops in Knoxville neighborhoods with low pantry access. Fresh produce and staples are delivered on a rotating schedule. The calendar is published on the food bank website and shared with 211.
SNAP / Food Stamp Outreach
Second Harvest provides SNAP application assistance at partner sites and by phone. Tennessee uses the One DHS portal for SNAP applications, and the food bank can help with screening and document gathering. Call 211 or the food bank for assistance.
How to Find a Pantry Near You in Knoxville
Call 211 for a pantry referral, or visit the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee website and use the find food tool. The Feeding America locator at feedingamerica.org also lists partner pantries. Most Knoxville pantries serve once a month and may ask for ID and proof of address.
More Food & Benefits Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a food pantry in Knoxville?
Do I need ID for a Knoxville pantry?
Can I get a hot meal in Knoxville?
Does Second Harvest help with SNAP?
Are there mobile pantries in Knoxville?
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