When Hurricane Helene brought devastation to Tennessee, leaving many struggling to recover and find access to the most basic of needs, Mom’s Meals stepped in to provide support. In partnership with the Tennessee First Lady’s Office and local agencies, the company donated 3,000 shelf-stable meals to communities impacted by the storm.
The multi-group effort began shortly after Tennessee residents were also affected by Hurricane Milton, a back-to-back disaster that left many vulnerable. Mom’s Meals, known for its commitment to fighting food insecurity, wanted to find a way to help. Enter Mom’s Meals government affairs team who was connected to the First Lady’s Office, who then put Mom’s Meals in touch with Lee Gay, volunteer transportation coordinator for the First TN Area Agency on Aging & Disability. Gay’s team coordinated the distribution of meals to individuals and seniors hit hardest by the storms. Many hands came together to make light work that was felt throughout the state.
“For us, giving back to communities affected by food insecurity—whether caused by natural disasters or other circumstances—is central to who we are,” said Kayla Pearson, Government Affairs Association for Mom’s Meals. “In times of crisis, when people feel helpless, we can step in and provide something essential: food. It’s one way we show our commitment to the communities we serve.”
The 3,000 meals provided were carefully chosen to meet the needs of those without access to fresh food, ensuring they were both nutritious and easy to store. The response to the donation was overwhelming. Lee Gay expressed deep gratitude, saying, “Thank you and your entire agency for this. Our communities and seniors have been hit hard by this tragedy, and it’s a great feeling to know that people care. This will make an impact.”
Mom’s Meals’ mission, “Improving life through better nutrition at home,” drives their work every day. Employees across the company take pride in the impact they make, especially in times of crisis. “Being part of the Government Advocacy team, I’m reminded daily that what we do changes lives,” Pearson reflected. “I love what I do, the people I work with, and the organization I work for.”
As Tennessee continues to rebuild, the actions of Mom’s Meals stand as a testament to how businesses can play a critical role in disaster relief efforts. By working hand-in-hand with local agencies to perform a coordinated approach to help, they not only provided nutritious meals but also hope when Tennesseans needed it most.
For more information on Mom’s Meals Social Responsibility efforts, visit https://www.momsmeals.com/about/csr/.