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

Retired
Joined the board in 2022
Why I volunteer with CFC: I joined CFC to help support people who have food insecurity.

Heather Reed

Retired
Joined the board in 2021
Why I volunteer with CFC:  To help those in need of food.

Joe Morgan

DENSO
Joined the board in 2026
Why I volunteer with CFC: I volunteer to provide nourishment to the needy, to renew hope to the forgotten and to restore dignity to the downtrodden.  Proverbs 31:9

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.

Sandie Earnest

Retired Maryville City Schools
Joined the board in 2026
Why I volunteer with CFC:  Throughout my life, I’ve always had a passion to help those who are struggling.  Through the food ministry, CFC provides a means of keeping families nourished during hard times.  It’s been a perfect match for my passion.

Sharon Brothers

Community Volunteer
Joined the board in 2025
Why I volunteer with CFC:  Community service has always been important to me.  Having the opportunity to serve here in Blount County has been very rewarding.

 

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

Visit Our Food Pantry

Donate or Volunteer