$124,000 invested. Ninety-five churches and ministries funded. Thousands of neighbors served.

Every community faces moments when their neighbors need a little extra help — a lost job, an unexpected medical bill, reduced benefits, or rising grocery costs. Local churches are often among the first to respond because they know their communities best.

In 2025 when SNAP benefits were reduced, the Holston Foundation distributed $124,000 in emergency food assistance to local churches and faith-based ministries. By providing funds directly to local churches, the Holston Foundation Emergency Food Insecurity Grants partnered with churches to be able to better serve neighbors facing food insecurity.

The Emergency Food Insecurity Grants are just one example of how the Holston Foundation matches charitable resources with ministry opportunities. Like the Young Clergy Leadership Initiative, it strengthens the church’s capacity for ministry. One by equipping churches to meet immediate needs in their communities. The other by equipping a new generation of clergy with the leadership, relationships, and experience they need to serve for generations to come.

The Holston Foundation Food Assistance Program at a Glance

    • Over $124,000 in emergency food assistance awarded to churches and faith-based ministries.

    • 95 local churches and ministries responded.

    • Food pantries, meal programs, and food distribution expanded.

    • Emergency support reached neighbors across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.

Responding When Communities Need it Most

When new legislation reduced SNAP benefits for millions of Americans, many families faced growing food insecurity. Local churches knew their neighbors would need help, so clergy and lay leaders mobilized their congregations to serve. The Holston Foundation equipped them to act.

The Foundation distributed over $124,000 in emergency food assistance to 95 churches and ministries across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee ensuring that local leaders could respond quickly to the needs they were already seeing in their communities.

With those resources in hand, churches expanded food pantries, purchased groceries to keep shelves stocked, prepared meals, distributed food boxes, partnered with local organizations, and found creative ways to care for neighbors.

When Resources Met the Moment

How One Local Church Responded

When friends and neighbors began struggling to afford food, Mt. Hermon stepped in to help. A $1,500 grant from the Holston Foundation Emergency Food Benefits Program enabled Mt. Hermon UMC to provide more food items for their second blessing box.

Lee Coker, pastor of Mt. Hermon shared this story, “A small car with 3 people pulled up to our blessing box as I was walking across the parking lot. An elderly woman got out and started walking toward me. Asking how I could help her, this is what she said. “My husband, a 71 year old veteran, our daughter and I are waiting on the VA to get us into housing and in the meantime we are living out of our car. If it weren’t for your blessing box, we would have no food. I just wanted to let you know the difference you make in people’s lives.” Lee continued, “I want to thank the Foundation for its support in changing lives. Together we are making a difference in our community.”

For Lee Coker, the experience was a reminder of what becomes possible when local churches have both the vision to serve and the resources to act.

Investing in the Church’s Future

Meeting today’s needs is only part of the Holston Foundation’s mission.

The Young Clergy Leadership Initiative invests in the future of the Church by preparing emerging pastors for a lifetime of faithful ministry. Through mentoring, leadership development, peer support, and hands-on ministry experience, participants gain the relationships and practical skills they need to serve their congregations well.

Like the Food Assistance Program, the initiative strengthens the church’s capacity for ministry. One equips churches to meet today’s needs. The other prepares leaders to guide the church tomorrow.

Support the Ministry That Matters Most to You

Whether your passion is feeding hungry neighbors, preparing future clergy, supporting scholarships, or resourcing another ministry close to your heart, the Holston Foundation can help you make a lasting impact.

Through Methodist planned giving, charitable endowments, and legacy giving, your generosity can continue supporting the ministries you care about.

If you’d like to explore how a charitable gift can reflect your values and strengthen the church’s ministry, we’d love to start the conversation.