Executive Insight

I want to make sure everyone in White County that receives commodities knows about an important change to our commodities program. For decades, or as long as I can remember, UCHRA has been the organization that handled the distribution of commodities to the seniors and disabled in White County. The State of Tennessee has decided to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to take over this responsibility going forward.

For White County, the last commodities distribution will take place tomorrow Sept. 10, moved up from the originally scheduled date of Sept. 25. Please mark your calendars and share this updated date with anyone who may need assistance.

In addition, there will be one final opportunity this season to attend a distribution at the Putnam County UCHRA office, in Cookeville. That event will be held 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sept. 20, at 580 S. Jefferson Ave., and is open to commodities clients from any county.

After these September events, all commodities distributions will be coordinated by Second Harvest Food Bank. Their information release says, “For schedules, locations, and eligibility details, please contact them directly or visit their website at www.secondharvestmidtn.org.” That is the only information I can get from them other than 14 counties in Middle Tennessee will not have service.

While this marks the end of an era with UCHRA’s role in commodities distribution, I know we all are thankful, and I want to personally thank the staff at UCHRA for the years of dedicated service they have provided to our community. I truly hope Second Harvest will continue the important mission of ensuring food access for our neighbors in need.

In the weeks ahead I will be calling area churches, state officials, the Activity Center and hopefully Second Harvest to try and figure out how to best continue giving the elderly and disabled the food supplements they need and rely on. If anyone has been contacted by Second Harvest about commodity distribution, please let me know.

Thanks, D.W.