Letter From the Chairman/CEO
Dear Supporters and Contributors,
Feed The Needy extends a warm welcome as we approach another holiday season. This year marks our 31st Thanksgiving event and our 9th Easter initiative. These programs provide valuable opportunities for our community to come together and support those experiencing hardship.
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We deeply appreciate your ongoing commitment, which has been instrumental in the continued success of our efforts. Many families continue to face significant challenges due to rising costs of living, including food, housing, utilities, medical care, and other necessities. Your volunteerism and financial contributions are vital in ensuring that recipients of the Feed The Needy program can enjoy the holidays with greater comfort and dignity. Your dedication exemplifies the spirit of shared responsibility and compassion.
According to the University of Memphis’s 2024 Poverty Fact Sheet, the poverty rate in Memphis stands at just over 24%, notably higher than the statewide average of 14.9%. To address these needs, we are partnering with both individuals and organizations committed to helping us achieve our core objectives:
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Distributing Thanksgiving and Easter food baskets
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Promoting nutrition and healthy eating habits
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Supporting local food pantries and after-school programs
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Our annual gatherings to package and distribute donations have become signature events, inspiring volunteers to continue their service. We thank you for sharing your time, skills, and resources. Your contributions are both meaningful and impactful.
The increased demand for resources during the global pandemic has underscored the importance of our mission. We are seeking additional funds to offset rising food costs and to ensure the sustainability of our program.
Our Feed The Needy families serve as a continual reminder that service is integral to our identity and values. We sincerely appreciate your support and extend our best wishes to you.
Kind regards,
Ruth Rawlings-Banks
Chairman / CEO