Oak Ridge National Lab Volunteers Pack 8,000 Weekend Food Bags for East Tennessee Students

As the new school year begins, many students across East Tennessee will benefit from a significant act of community generosity. Hundreds of employees from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) recently dedicated their time to pack 8,000 weekend food bags, destined for students through Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee's Food for Kids program. This vital effort aims to provide nutritious meals for children who might otherwise face hunger when school is not in session, helping them return to class ready to learn.

According to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, more than 200 employees volunteered over four days this summer to complete this massive packing effort. Each bag is designed to bridge the gap between Friday afternoon and Monday morning, containing essential items like soup, pasta, fruit, cereal bars, and shelf-stable milk. The goal is to ensure that food-insecure children can focus on their studies without the added worry of where their next meal will come from.

A Long-Standing Commitment to Community Well-being

The partnership between ORNL and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is a testament to a sustained commitment to fighting hunger in the region, spanning over two decades. Oak Ridge National Laboratory states that this collaboration extends beyond financial contributions, encompassing food drives and significant volunteer service. The annual food-packing event, a key part of ORNL Gives—the laboratory's employee giving and volunteer campaign—has grown to become one of its most impactful hands-on initiatives.

Kristi Rule, chief development officer for Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, emphasized the unique value of this partnership. "One of the things we value most about our partnership with ORNL is that employees give not only financially, but also through their time," Rule said, according to ORNL. "Volunteers make it possible for us to reach more children and families throughout East Tennessee." This sentiment highlights the profound impact of direct volunteerism in expanding the reach of critical community programs.

Beyond Scientific Discovery: The Power of Collective Action

The scene at ORNL during the packing event was one of collaborative spirit. Researchers, engineers, administrative professionals, interns, facilities personnel, and business staff worked side-by-side on assembly lines. Their tasks ranged from unpacking bulk food shipments to filling bags, assembling boxes, and wrapping pallets. This collective effort, as Oak Ridge National Laboratory describes, underscores the laboratory's dedication to its surrounding communities, demonstrating that its influence extends far beyond its renowned scientific discoveries.

What began in 2021 as an effort to pack 2,000 weekend food bags has dramatically expanded. The laboratory reports that this tradition now translates into 24,000 Fridays when a child will receive a much-needed food bag. Over the past six years, this event has produced enough bags to support 750 students for an entire school year, according to Second Harvest, packing more than a full tractor-trailer load of food.

Cynthia Jenks, Associate Laboratory Director for Physical Sciences at ORNL, reflected on the significance of the event. "ORNL’s 7,000 employees are committed to making a difference, whether through scientific discovery or through service to our community," Jenks stated. "Seeing employees from every part of the laboratory come together to help local children is a wonderful reminder that our impact extends far beyond the laboratory campus. Every volunteer helps make a real difference for East Tennessee families."

Supporting Students Holistically

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue, with nearly 214,000 East Tennesseans experiencing it today, according to Second Harvest. Through the Food for Kids program, Second Harvest collaborates with schools across the region to discreetly provide these weekend food bags to students who need them most. This discreet approach helps maintain the dignity of the students while addressing a fundamental need.

For educators, the impact of such programs is clear. A local East Tennessee teacher, quoted by ORNL, shared their gratitude: "Thank you for providing this service to schools so we can better care for our most vulnerable kids. The work you do matters. Children, when they become adults, will never forget the sting of being hungry. But they also never forget the warmth of someone caring enough to feed them."

Ensuring students have their basic needs met, including consistent access to food, is foundational for their academic success. When students are not worried about hunger, they are better equipped to engage with their lessons and thrive in the classroom. This is where comprehensive support, like that offered by programs such as Food for Kids, becomes invaluable. Beyond nutrition, access to resources that support learning can also make a significant difference. For instance, free tools like COSMIQ, a voice-driven AI tutor, offer K-12 students free, accessible academic assistance, helping them tackle homework challenges and prepare for exams without additional financial burden.

The ORNL Gives campaign, an annual initiative, enables employees to contribute their time, talent, and financial support to various nonprofit organizations that strengthen communities throughout East Tennessee. This latest effort to pack 8,000 food bags stands as a powerful example of how a dedicated workforce can make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of local children, ensuring they have the nourishment they need to learn and grow.