Loudon food pantry changes operations to ease chaos
 

LOUDON, Tenn. (WVLT) - The New Life Family Worship Center along Highway 72 in Loudon hosts a Second Harvest Food Pantry each week. Distributions run nearly three hours. And as the program has grown, people have lined up earlier and earlier to receive food. Organizers hope new changes Tuesday will ease the problems.

"There's a tremendous need. There's a lot of people hurting who need help. Especially the way the economy is now," said Pastor Jeff Schrimsher.

Starting April 2nd, pick up will be by appointment only. Appointments will begin at 3:30 p.m., and people will be allowed in at 3:00.

More than 100 people showed up for the first changed Tuesday. new operations went smoothly. Organizers tallied that nearly 300 to 500 family members benefited from the day's handout.

The program is a partnership with Second Harvest. It opened 10 years ago with five volunteers to serve less than 40 people. Today, it's more than doubled in both those who serve and those being served.

For more information on how you can help, contact New Life Family Worship Center at 865-458-5300.