AN ABUNDANCE of conversations ripples across the church parking lot, punctuated by the rattle of car trunks opening. Every third Saturday, Huntland United Methodist Church (UMC) buzzes with anticipation as its monthly food giveaway unfolds. Positive energy fills the air as volunteers, with faces full of smiles, compassion, and servanthood, sort mountains of groceries. Waves of laughter and heartfelt thanks wash over the crowd, creating an air of human connection that transcends any social or economic divide.
As the food delivery truck from Hope Hohenwald, which is connected with Second Harvest Food Bank, screeches to a halt, volunteers joyfully rush to grab boxes and begin sorting mountains of fresh, crisp apples; sweet potatoes; plump, juicy tomatoes; and dairy products like cheese and milk. One of Huntland UMC’s members, Jeff Hill, arrives at the same time in his forklift from the local farmer’s co-op to unload the pallets of food from the truck.
A transformation happens as the diverse array of visitors converges around the bounty. As a sense of unity washes over the crowd, strangers become neighbors, sharing anecdotes and smiles. Here, friendly faces and open hearts pave the way for a genuine connection, where each interaction brings unity, care, and a belief in God’s love.
The food giveaway began long before the current pastor, Randy Brown, arrived at Huntland UMC. However, the determination and giving spirit of the volunteers never wavered. The Rev. Allison Gilliam, the church’s former pastor, was instrumental in starting this ministry.
It all began with a collaboration between volunteers from Huntland UMC and Westside Church of the Nazarene in Tullahoma and its Family Food Ministry. In the early days of the pandemic, Westside Church had leftover food from its giveaway in Estill Springs at the drive-in theater. That’s when Wendy Johnson, a volunteer with the Nazarene Church, reached out to the Rev. Gilliam. Together, they rallied a group of church members to distribute food in Huntland.
For Huntland UMC’s first giveaway, it contributed 40 packages of freshly cut chicken paired with delicious farm-fresh corn, a generous donation courtesy of Gary Horton. En route to the event, he made a pit stop at his farm to harvest the corn that would complement the chicken.
This program has become table-laden for countless individuals and families, offering food security and nourishment across Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama. They went from serving 40 families during their first giveaway to serving up to 407 families at a recent food giveaway.
The volunteers, many from other churches, are just as diverse as the visitors they serve.
“Several of our members, such as Christie Beiler and Ed and Rondalynn Gill, are now volunteering at other food giveaways throughout the course of the month. We are also very grateful to one of the local food trucks for showing up every month to feed the volunteers,” said Brown.
The program’s ripple effect is evident as some recipients, inspired by the church’s generosity, become volunteers themselves. “There are some people who have been recipients of the food giveaway who need the food, but they also want to help in the distribution.”
The early morning line of cars snaking around the church grounds points to the struggles many people in the community face. “There are people who sit in the cars for two or three hours before the distribution starts because there’s such a big need.”
This initiative reminds one woman and her family that they are not alone.
“She told me, ‘My husband passed away not long ago, and I’m helping my daughter raise her children, and this really helps us to get through the month,’” Brown recalled.
Stories fuel dedication in volunteers who find purpose in lifting others’ spirits and pouring into a cause bigger than themselves. Many arrive early, their hands eager to sort and pack and their hearts brimming with the desire to make a difference with each box of food they unpack.
Their mission to pour into the community is far from over. Brown envisions building a network of continuous support that empowers individuals and families to reach their full potential. Within the church’s reach, people all over Tennessee and beyond will share countless stories of hope and gratitude.
“It’s important for our church to be visible in the community. We want to be known in the community so that if there’s an opportunity where we can meet a need, that will happen,” he said. GN
