Give Thanks Day of Action to Provide Meals for Greater Nashville Families
United Way is seeking community support to collect food for families in need this season. Here’s how to be a part of the 2021 Give Thanks collection drive now through November 8:
- Sign up to create a meal box/es. Using this list, fill a box (or boxes!) with food needed for a holiday meal for a family of four, along with supplemental food to help support families throughout the holiday break.
- Sign up to run a collection drive. Rally your workplace or community group to help collect food and assemble boxes. We’ll supply promotional materials and a How-To Guide to help you run a successful drive.
- Donate money. $75 provides a full Give Thanks box for a family of four.
United Way created the Give Thanks Day of Action to relieve some of the financial burden that many families face during the holiday season. Based on three meals a day, the average family of four receives $9.23 a meal through public assistance programs. The average cost of a traditional holiday dinner is roughly $60. That’s six times the amount a family has available to spend on a single meal.
“The holidays can be an expensive time of year. And they are especially difficult for our neighbors whose food budget is limited to begin with,” said Brian Hassett, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Nashville. “It’s important to us that families who are struggling can gather around the table and share a warm meal together. With your help, we can give families that special gift.”
Boxes will be distributed to families via select United Way of Greater Nashville partner agencies and local schools. Individuals in need of assistance can call 211 or visit unitedwaygreaternashville.org/211-helpline.