About Us
Our History
Founded in 1991, Community Food Connection (CFC) in Blount County is a testament to the power of community collaboration. It was born when local churches, concerned citizens, and the Blount County Ecumenical Action Council joined forces to address hunger more effectively.
Our mission is simple: to ensure that no one in Blount County goes without food. We provide groceries to every family that seeks our help, with no one ever turned away.
With 5,000 monthly client visits, CFC relies on the generosity of individuals, area
churches, schools, businesses, and organizations to keep our shelves stocked.
Our Values
Christian-based
Respect for Diversity
Integrity
Empowerment
Accountability
Collaboration
Teamwork
Our Team and Volunteers
Our staff and volunteers work to bridge the gap between abundance and need. We operate a vibrant food pantry that serves 5,000 individuals and families each month, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals. But our mission extends beyond food distribution. We empower individuals and families to regain their independence and improve their quality of life
Dwight Price
President
The Dwight Price Group Realty Executives
Joined the Board in 2021
Why I volunteer with CFC: Food is near and dear to my heart! I can’t bear the thoughts of someone going hungry, especially children. Our goal is to end hunger in Blount County.
Belinda Sharp Cline
Vice President
Ernst & Young, LLC
Joined the Board in 2021
Why I volunteer with CFC: I don’t want anyone to be hungry and this is something I can tangibly do to help those in our community who may struggle meeting this basic need.
Tom Sims
Secretary
Retired Park Superintendent
Joined the Board in 2019
Why I volunteer with CFC: To help those in our community who need a helping hand.
Mark Loudermilk
Treasurer
Christy Newman
Arconic
Joined the board in 2023
Why I volunteer with CFC: No one should go to bed hungry.
Diane Kilmer
Retired
Joined the board in 2019
Why I volunteer with CFC: I have a passion for helping people in need. When we moved to Maryville in 2018, we began attending Blount Community Church where one of the long-time volunteers invited me to serve at CFC, and I am still serving today!
Gaines Lee
Retired Military
Joined the board in 2019
Why I volunteer with CFC: I recognized that CFC was the premier food insecurity resolution organization serving Blount County for many years. I wanted to be a part of this outstanding organization.
Heather Reed
Retired
Joined the board in 2021
Why I volunteer with CFC: To help those in need of food.
Robert Henderson
Sodexo
Joined the board in 2023
Why I volunteer with CFC: To give back to those in need and to further the mission of the church.
Todd Griffith
Retired OrthoTennessee
Joined the board in 2019
Why I volunteer with CFC: To work as a part of a team to benefit the community hat has given me and my family so much. Nobody deserves to be hungry.
Ingrid Haun
Store Coordinator
All Board members serve voluntarily and do not receive any compensation
“I love the rewarding work at the CFC helping to gather food and distribute it to those in our community experiencing food insecurity. I will continue to support the Community Food Connection with my money and my time. I strongly believe in the work of and need for the CFC.”
- Pete
Our Partners & Supporters
