MSCS Teams with Mid-South Food Bank for Monthly Food Giveaways in Memphis

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 11:04 GMT by FOX13 Memphis

MSCS Partners with Mid‑South Food Bank to Deliver Monthly Food Giveaways Across Memphis

In an effort to shore up food security for families in need, the Memphis School Community Services (MSCS) announced a new partnership with the Mid‑South Food Bank this week. The collaboration will see a series of free food giveaways held at various community hubs throughout the city, aimed at ensuring that no child or adult goes hungry. Over the course of the year, the two organizations plan to distribute more than 70,000 pounds of groceries, providing essential nutrition to more than 3,000 residents.

A Mission‑Driven Alliance

MSCS is a long‑standing nonprofit that supports Memphis’s youth and their families by offering tutoring, after‑school programs, and basic needs assistance. “We’ve seen first‑hand how lack of food can derail a child’s academic progress,” said MSCS Executive Director Maria Torres. “By teaming up with the Mid‑South Food Bank, we’re able to combine our outreach strengths and deliver food directly where it’s needed most.”

The Mid‑South Food Bank, headquartered in Nashville, has been a regional leader in food distribution for decades. According to its website, the organization serves more than 1.7 million people across Tennessee and Kentucky, distributing over 2 million pounds of food each month through a network of 200 partners. In Memphis, the food bank’s “City‑Wide Food Distribution” program has historically filled the gaps left by grocery shortages and rising prices.

What the Giveaways Will Look Like

Starting on the first of each month, MSCS will host a “Food Drop” event at three major locations: the 27th Street Community Center, the West Memphis Food Pantry, and the Midtown Community Hub. Each drop will last for a full day, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with volunteers on hand to help families check in, answer questions, and pack groceries.

The types of food available will mirror the Mid‑South Food Bank’s standard “essential” basket, which includes canned goods, dried rice and pasta, fresh produce (when in season), and staples such as peanut butter, cereal, and milk. Families who are unable to attend a scheduled drop can request a “Food Delivery” by calling the MSCS hotline at 555‑123‑4567 or by submitting a request online at mscommunityservices.org/fooddelivery.

“We’ve seen a growing demand for food assistance over the past year,” noted Sarah Larkin, the Food Bank’s Director of Outreach. “Partnering with MSCS allows us to leverage their strong presence in schools and after‑school programs, so we can reach families before they hit the crisis point.”

A Community‑First Approach

Both organizations emphasize that the giveaways are open to all residents regardless of income or citizenship status. To register, families simply need to bring a photo ID, proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease agreement), and any relevant documentation showing participation in a social assistance program (e.g., SNAP, WIC). The MSCS team will also offer a quick nutritional counseling session on the spot, educating recipients on how to stretch their groceries and make healthy meal choices.

According to the MSCS website, the organization has already assisted more than 12,000 students in the past school year. “These giveaways are part of a larger strategy to keep children in the classroom and out of the pantry,” Ms. Torres explained. “When a family is assured that their child has a steady source of food, the whole household’s stress level drops dramatically.”

Voices from the Field

The partnership was formalized in a joint press release on November 1, where both MSCS and the Mid‑South Food Bank highlighted their shared commitment to tackling food insecurity. “Food is a human right,” said the Food Bank’s spokesperson, James O’Connor. “By collaborating with MSCS, we’re not only providing immediate relief but also building a sustainable pipeline of support that can adapt to future challenges, whether it’s a pandemic or a local economic downturn.”

The press release also provided practical information for volunteers. “We’re looking for people who are willing to sort, pack, and deliver groceries,” Ms. Torres added. “Whether you’re a student, a retiree, or a local business owner, you can make a difference.”

How to Get Involved

• Families: Drop in at one of the three designated locations, bring the required ID and proof of residence, and receive a basket of groceries.
• Volunteers: Sign up at mscommunityservices.org/volunteer to help with sorting, packing, or distribution. The MSCS website offers a detailed volunteer FAQ that outlines responsibilities, safety protocols, and the benefits of volunteering.
• Donors: Individuals and businesses can contribute by mailing food items or funds to the Mid‑South Food Bank at 1400 N. State St., Nashville, TN 37203. The Food Bank’s website lists specific items that are most needed, such as canned fruits, high‑protein options, and baby formula.

Looking Ahead

Both MSCS and the Mid‑South Food Bank see this partnership as the first step toward a more integrated network of community resources. Plans are underway to host a quarterly “Family Wellness Fair,” where nutritionists, health educators, and local grocery stores will provide additional support services. Additionally, the organizations aim to establish a digital platform that will allow families to track their food usage and receive recipe suggestions tailored to the items in their pantry.

“The synergy between MSCS’s local reach and the Food Bank’s logistical strength creates a powerful model,” Ms. Torres noted. “Our ultimate goal is to build a Memphis where every child has the food they need to thrive, and every family has the support to get there.”

For more information, families and volunteers can visit the MSCS website at mscommunityservices.org or the Mid‑South Food Bank’s portal at midsouthfoodbank.org. Together, these partners are working to nourish not just bodies, but also hope, resilience, and the future of Memphis’s most vulnerable residents.