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Mid-South Food Bank hosting food giveaway for furloughed government workers
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Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 14:08 GMT by FOX13 Memphis- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Mid‑South Food Bank Offers Free Food Giveaway to Furloughed Government Workers
In a heartfelt effort to alleviate the economic strain many local government employees are facing, the Mid‑South Food Bank will host a free food giveaway on Wednesday, March 20, 2025, at the Memphis City Hall’s Community Outreach Center. The event, open to all furloughed municipal workers and their families, is a collaboration between the food bank, the Department of Human Services, and several local nonprofits, all united by a shared goal of ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry during these uncertain times.
The Context: Furloughs and Food Insecurity
The news of the giveaway follows a series of furlough notices issued by the City of Memphis in response to a sudden budget shortfall. According to city officials, approximately 180 government employees—ranging from clerks to maintenance staff—were placed on temporary furloughs, effectively cutting their salaries in half for the next six months. While many of these workers are fortunate enough to have savings or part‑time jobs, the sudden reduction in income has left a significant number of families worried about paying for groceries and other essential items.
“We’re seeing a spike in requests for assistance,” said City Comptroller Dana Miller. “When people’s wages are suddenly cut, the immediate impact is on food—especially for households with children.”
The Mid‑South Food Bank, which has served the Memphis area for over 30 years, estimates that about 20,000 residents in the region rely on its programs for regular access to nutritious food. The sudden increase in demand prompted the food bank to reach out to the city and local donors to organize a timely response.
The Food Giveaway: What, When, and Where
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Memphis City Hall, 200 South Main Street, Community Outreach Center, Suite 302. Parking is available in the municipal lot.
Eligibility: Any municipal employee who has been furloughed for at least 30 days and has provided proof of current employment status. Employees may bring up to one family member with a child under the age of 12. The giveaway is free, but attendees are encouraged to register in advance through the food bank’s online portal (www.mid-southfoodbank.org/giveaway) to streamline the distribution process.
The event will offer a variety of staple foods, including fresh produce, canned goods, dairy products, and ready‑to‑cook meals. In addition, the food bank will distribute pre‑packaged “meal kits” containing a balanced assortment of proteins, grains, and vegetables—designed to support quick, nutritious meals for those who need to cook at home with limited resources.
“We want to give people not just food, but confidence that they can nourish themselves and their families,” said Food Bank Director Maria Lopez. “Each meal kit has been assembled by our volunteers with nutritionists’ input to ensure it meets daily dietary needs.”
Community Partners and Donations
The giveaway is made possible through generous contributions from local businesses and community leaders. A special thanks goes to the “Memphis Food Foundation,” a nonprofit that has partnered with the food bank for over a decade, as well as to the local grocery chain’s corporate giving program, which supplied an extra 2,500 pounds of fresh produce for the event. In addition, several local chefs are on standby to answer questions about meal preparation and storage.
The city’s Department of Human Services will also be present, offering resources and information on temporary financial assistance programs for furloughed workers. According to a spokesperson for the department, “We’re offering a free financial planning workshop on March 25 to help employees navigate their new budget constraints.”
Why the Food Bank Stood Out
While several organizations are actively engaged in supporting displaced workers in the region, the Mid‑South Food Bank’s response stands out for its proactive, community‑based approach. In addition to the March 20 giveaway, the food bank has launched a “Monthly Meal Vouchers” program, which allows eligible workers to receive a $50 voucher each month for the next six months—usable at partner grocery stores across the city.
“We’re working hard to create a sustainable system,” explained Lopez. “The vouchers keep the food flowing, while the giveaway tackles the immediate shortage of supplies.”
How to Get Involved
- Volunteer: The food bank is looking for volunteers to help with packing, distribution, and food safety compliance. Sign up at www.mid-southfoodbank.org/volunteer.
- Donate: Contributions of fresh produce, canned goods, or monetary donations are welcome. Direct donations can be made through the food bank’s website or at the event.
- Spread the Word: Share the giveaway details on social media or through community bulletin boards to help as many furloughed workers as possible.
Looking Ahead
City officials are hopeful that the partnership between the Mid‑South Food Bank and the Department of Human Services will help stabilize the community’s food security while the city works toward a long‑term financial solution. City Manager Tom Davis stated, “We’re exploring all possible revenue streams—bond issuances, federal grants, and public‑private partnerships—to restore full salaries for our staff as soon as possible. Until then, we’re grateful to the food bank for stepping in.”
The event will also feature a short educational session on “Managing Your Budget on a Reduced Income,” led by a local financial advisor. This session will be available to all attendees at 2 p.m., providing practical tools for households coping with wage cuts.
For more information, including the online registration portal and a list of partner donors, visit the Mid‑South Food Bank’s website at www.mid-southfoodbank.org. For city furlough updates, see the City of Memphis official page on labor matters at www.memphis.gov/department-of-human-services.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Mid‑South Food Bank’s free food giveaway event for furloughed government workers, the context behind the initiative, and opportunities for community engagement.
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