
It takes a community to feed a community.
That’s why we partner with more than 200 local nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, and community groups to connect neighbors with nutritious food and essential resources.
How we get food where it’s needed
Our food is purchased with support from donors and grants, donated by local retailers, producers, and manufacturers, and sourced from federal nutrition programs. Each year, we distribute millions of pounds of food into the hearts of communities across Tennessee and Georgia.
Warehouse Hubs

Food arrives at our distribution centers through donations, retail recovery, and purchased inventory.
Partner Network

More than 200 partners — from community pantries to school programs — receive the food they need to serve their neighbors.
Neighbors Served

Families, seniors, and children access nutritious food where they live, work, and learn.
Be part of the solution
To ensure safe and equitable food distribution, partners typically must:
- Must be a registered 501(c)3 or be fiscally sponsored by the 501(c)3
- Must have an established budget to support their program
- Must be operating a feeding program for at least 6 months prior to applying
- Commit to equitable, judgment-free service for all neighbors

Work with us in the way that works best for you
Churches
We work with faith-based partners to distribute nutritious food directly into local communities. From hosting mobile pantries to organizing food drives, churches play an essential role in connecting neighbors to the resources they need.
Nonprofit Organizations
From after-school programs to senior centers, we collaborate with local nonprofits to deliver food where it’s needed most. These partnerships allow us to meet neighbors where they are and support families across our region.
Schools
Through partnerships with schools, we supply in-school pantries, weekend sack packs, and mobile pantry events to ensure kids have the fuel they need to learn, grow, and thrive — in and out of the classroom.
Sponsorships
Organizations and businesses make a powerful impact by sponsoring food bank events, fundraising campaigns, and special initiatives that allow us to keep buying food and providing for our communities.
Farmers & Producers
Local farmers, growers, and producers play a vital role in feeding our community. By donating local foods or participating in our farm to food bank programs, you help your neighbors access nourishing food — and feel connected and supported by their regional bounty.
- Donate surplus crops or products directly to the food bank
- Partner on farm-to-pantry distribution initiatives
- Reduce food waste by picking up waste from our facilities to feed livestock

Commercial Food Donations
Businesses of all sizes can make an impact by donating shelf-stable pantry items, fresh meat, produce, dairy, and other groceries. By coordinating commercial food donations and partnering with grocers, we recover millions of pounds of food each year that might otherwise go to waste.
- Reduce food waste
- Support neighbors in need
- Strengthen your role in the local food system

Food Donation FAQs
Food may be donated for several reasons, including surplus production, product discontinuation, imperfect or underweight packaging, or approaching expiration dates. All accepted donations help feed neighbors across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.
Support your business. Donating surplus food can help lower storage and disposal costs, move unsellable or slow-moving inventory, and position your company as a leader in corporate social responsibility. Federal law, including the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996, and state laws in Tennessee and Georgia, protect food donors from liability when donating in good faith.
Receive financial benefits. Food donations may qualify your business for tax deductions. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank provides donation receipts that you can share with your tax advisor to determine eligible deductions.
Strengthen sustainability efforts. The FDA estimates that 30–40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted. By donating, you’re not only keeping nutritious food out of landfills but also helping conserve resources like fresh water and soil nutrients. At the same time, your donations directly support families facing hunger in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. It’s a win-win for our community!
Complete our commercial food donation form to submit a donation offer. Once submitted, our team will follow up with questions and next steps.
We cannot accept:
- Opened, partially used, contaminated, or damaged items
- Prepared or homemade foods
- Products not in original packaging
- Products missing ingredient and/or allergen labels
- Pharmaceuticals and/or cannabis/CBD/THC products
- Frozen items that have thawed
Note: We have limited capacity to accept bulk or foodservice-packaged goods and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Every donation makes a difference! For smaller donations, you can deliver directly to our warehouse at 2009 Curtain Pole Rd during our regular business hours. We can also connect you with a Hunger Relief Partner in your community for local pickup if you are outside of the Chattanooga area. Please contact Niki Bishop at nbishop@chattfoodbank.org to coordinate.
We have a robust retail rescue program! Please fill out this retail store donation form and a team member will be in touch.
Complete our local farmer partnership request form. If approved, you will also need to complete a food waste agreement before pickup begins.
Partner with us & change what’s possible
Want to join us on the journey to end hunger? Whether you’re a nonprofit, business, or producer, we’d love to work with you.
