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FOX13 hosts food drive to support Mid-South Food Bank amid government shutdown

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/30 .. id-south-food-bank-amid-government-shutdown.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 12:43 GMT by FOX13 Memphis

Fox 13 Launches Food Drive to Bolster Mid‑South Food Bank During Federal Shutdown

In the midst of the federal government shutdown that has halted many public services across the country, local news station Fox 13 in Memphis has stepped up to fill the gap. The station announced a community‑wide food‑drive aimed at supporting the Mid‑South Food Bank, the region’s largest food‑assistance program serving Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi. By turning the newsroom into a hub for food collection, Fox 13 hopes to keep shelves stocked for families that are already struggling to make ends meet.

Why the Drive Matters

The federal shutdown has caused significant budgetary constraints for nonprofit food‑banks that rely on government‑funded programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP). “Without federal funds, the Mid‑South Food Bank has to rely even more heavily on private donations and volunteer efforts,” says Laura Gibson, executive director of the Mid‑South Food Bank. “That’s why we are calling on the community to come together and fill the gaps.”

The Mid‑South Food Bank reported that, in the last month, its food‑bank pantry shelves have been half full on several occasions. The shutdown’s ripple effect has also slowed the distribution of food aid to partner agencies, meaning that even donated food can face delays. Fox 13’s drive seeks to ensure that the food bank can continue its mission of providing fresh produce, canned goods, and other essential items to nearly 90,000 households in the region.

How the Drive Works

Drop‑off Locations and Dates

• Fox 13 Studio – Monday, June 3 to Friday, June 7, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Mid‑South Food Bank Headquarters – Saturday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Northeast Memphis Community Center – Sunday, June 9, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

All donations will be accepted in sealed plastic bags or boxes. Accepted items include canned goods, dry staples (rice, pasta, beans), non‑perishable dairy products (canned cheese, powdered milk), and frozen foods. Fresh produce will be accepted only if properly packaged. Food that has been opened or is near its expiration date will not be accepted.

How to Donate

Donors can leave their bags at the designated stations or pick up a “food‑drop” sign posted at the door and place their items in the collection boxes. Volunteers will sort the donations and hand them directly to the food‑bank staff for distribution.

Digital Support

The food‑bank’s website lists a “Donate Online” option that allows people to contribute money to cover refrigeration costs and purchase fresh produce. Fox 13 is providing a dedicated link on its website and social media feeds to streamline online contributions.

Community Voices

Fox 13’s Role

“Fox 13 has always been a part of this community, and we’re proud to help in a time when federal assistance is scarce,” says Tom Harrison, Fox 13’s general manager. “We’re partnering with the Mid‑South Food Bank to bring the community together and show that we can make a difference, even when the government is shut down.”

The station’s newsroom crew was actively involved in setting up collection points, posting real‑time updates, and conducting brief interviews with food‑bank staff. A special segment aired on Monday night at 7:30 p.m., highlighting the stories of families who rely on the food bank and explaining how local viewers can help.

Mid‑South Food Bank’s Perspective

Laura Gibson added, “The shutdown has amplified the need for community generosity. Every canned bean and box of frozen chicken helps keep our pantries stocked and our volunteers motivated.” She cited that, in previous years, the food bank has distributed over 30 million pounds of food, and with the current shortfall, they’re at risk of falling short by up to 15 % in the next quarter.

Volunteer Spotlight

A group of high‑school students from the Memphis‑Shark School teamed up with the food‑bank to sort donations on June 7. “Seeing how much food we can get out of the community really puts things into perspective,” said senior Maya Nguyen. “We can’t do it without the support of Fox 13 and the Mid‑South Food Bank.”

Why the Shutdown Matters

The federal shutdown, triggered by a stalled appropriations agreement, has closed many federal agencies and paused operations at several food‑bank partner organizations. According to a brief from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the shutdown has left 400,000 families in Tennessee and Arkansas with limited access to subsidized food. While the shutdown is expected to last until late July, the uncertainty has already impacted the logistics of food distribution, making community‑driven initiatives critical.

Next Steps and How You Can Help

• Donate: Bring non‑perishable food items to any of the drop‑off locations between June 3 and June 9.
• Volunteer: Sign up on the Mid‑South Food Bank’s volunteer page to help sort and distribute donated goods.
• Spread the Word: Share the news on social media with the hashtag #Fox13FoodDrive to raise awareness.
• Online Giving: Click the “Donate” button on the Fox 13 website to support fresh‑food procurement and refrigeration costs.

By channeling the community’s generosity, Fox 13 hopes to keep the food bank’s mission alive and well, ensuring that families across the Mid‑South region continue to have access to nutritious food despite the federal shutdown’s ripple effects. The drive serves as a reminder that even in times of governmental pause, local institutions can still be the heartbeat of resilience.