The Newsletter of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank Autumn 2026
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Five years ago, in 2021, Foxwood Food Center opened to the public as an expansion of the Food Bank’s Emergency Food Box program. Foxwood then upgraded to a guest-choice model in 2022, complete with shelves, fridges, and freezers just like at a grocery store. At Foxwood, guests choose the food they and their families need to thrive. This model also cuts down on food waste, offers better variety, and accounts for dietary and cultural preferences. Foxwood Food Center is now the flagship program of the Food Bank, serving an average of 4,000 households every month, but it has never wavered from its purpose to provide the highest quality of food with the highest quality of care.
“Foxwood Food Center is a lifeline for our neighbors. We get to know our guests first by face, then by name, and before you know it, we know their whole family. These are the connections I will always take with me—a kid’s smile or hug, a grandmother’s tears of joy, or a husband’s look of relief that he gets to feed his family that night. “Recently, I have been playing doorman. The number of handshakes I got shocked me at first, but then I realized: they are saying thank you. Foxwood is more than a food pantry. It’s a place you can go to get a hug when you’re down, and if you join us at just the right time, a hearty laugh or two as well.”
Rene Allen
Todd Lusk Foxwood Food Center Manager
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Foxwood Food Center
If you’ve been to Foxwood Food Center, chances are you’ve met Rene Allen. She’s been with the Food Bank for almost ten years, spreading love, joy, and positivity to our neighbors. At Foxwood, she trains volunteers to act as personal shoppers for our neighbors. She also meets and greets everyone who comes inside and knows many of them by name. She says her greatest accomplishment has been building close friendships with our volunteers and neighbors and getting to know each one individually. “The Food Bank employees are like family,” she says. “They look out for and support each other. The volunteers have the most generous hearts and willing to give their time to help others. Our neighbors are amazing and share their life stories with us. I truly love my job.” One of Rene’s favorite parts of Foxwood is handing out toys for kids during the holidays. She counts it a blessing to work at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
Todd Lusk
Tim Gorman
Tim Gorman has been volunteering at Foxwood Food Center for the past three years.
When he retired, he had a lot of free time on his hands and wanted to make a difference. During his volunteer shifts, he helps neighbors choose food for their families. But it isn’t just about the food. He says he appreciates the opportunity to talk with neighbors and hear their stories, and he’s had many meaningful connections with folks. “People are so appreciative,” he says. “I can’t tell you how many hugs I’ve received, how many blessings I’ve received. Folks are so thankful for the Food Bank.” After volunteering with the same group of people every week, Tim has formed a small community at Foxwood. He says pantry volunteers and staff have become like an extended family, and he misses the team when he’s unable to be there.
If you’re interested in volunteering at Foxwood Food Center, we always need help! Go to chattfoodbank.org/take-action/ volunteer for more information.
St. Alexius
Not everyone has access to transportation or the ability to drive themselves to a food pantry for help. One way we help homebound neighbors in Hamilton County is by partnering with St. Alexius Outreach Ministries to deliver Emergency Food Boxes from Foxwood Food Center. The Alexian Brothers are a Catholic order founded 800 years ago in Germany under the patronage of St. Alexius. St. Alexius Outreach Ministries is a local extension of that mission. They’ve been providing home food deliveries throughout Hamilton County for almost a decade. “It’s a privilege to continue the Alexian Brothers’ centuriesold mission of serving our neighbors,” says Joe Caraveo, Operations Manager. For someone to receive food while at home, we coordinate with United Way’s 211 helpline and St. Alexius. After determining eligibility, we coordinate with St. Alexius Brothers to deliver food directly to households throughout Hamilton County.
What does Foxwood Food Center mean to you? Our guests let us know.
Recipe
Molasses Spice Cookies by Claire Saffitz 3 3/4 cups (488g) all-purpose flour 1 tbsp (18g) baking soda 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/2 tsp finely ground black pepper 1/2 tsp ground allspice 1/4 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1 1/2 sticks (170g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temp. 1 1/2 cups (300g) packed dark brown sugar 2 large eggs (about 100g) at room temp 1/2 cup (160g) unsulfured molasses 2 tsp (9g) apple cider vinegar 2 tsp vanilla extract or paste Demerara sugar for coating In a medium bowl, whisk dry ingredients together. Beat brown sugar and butter until pale, about 2 mins. Add each egg separately and beat until mixture is fluffy, about 1 min. Add molasses, vinegar, and vanilla, and mix until just combined. Scrape the bowl to ensure sugar is incorporated. Add dry mix in increments, about 1/2 cup at a time, while mixing on low speed. Once all flour is added, scrape down the bowl again and refrigerate dough for at least 30 mins. Once chilled, portion dough into either 28g pieces (if using a scale) or a heaping tablespoon. Roll portions into balls, then coat outside with demerara sugar. Arrange cookies 3 in. apart on a baking sheet and bake at 350F for 12-14 mins. For a crispy cookie, bake 2 mins more. Dough can be frozen for up to 6 months. If baking from frozen, add 2 mins to preferred time. 10 Upcoming October Scenic City Wing Fest
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Main Warehouse 2009 Curtain Pole Rd. Chattanooga, TN
Pierce Distribution Center 1111 S Hamilton St. Dalton, GA
Foxwood Food Center 3209 Wilcox Blvd. Chattanooga, TN
chattfoodbank.org (423) 622-1800
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M, T, Th: 9AM-2PM W, F: Closed
M-Th: 9AM-4PM F: 9AM-12PM
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