Memphis Cares, a partnership between the city, Memphis City Council, and United Way of the Mid South, is putting up to $100,000 toward food assistance for residents hit hardest by last weekend’s severe storms.
“For many Memphis families, days without power also meant losing groceries they simply can’t afford to replace,” said Mayor Paul Young. “We know recovery looks different for every family. Through Memphis Cares, we’re working with City Council and United Way to get help to the Memphians who need it most.”
Councilwoman Jana Swearengen Washington says the effort will target households with the highest need in the areas hit hardest by the storm, with relief coordinated through a network of partner agencies working alongside the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis.
Local pantries are already seeing the impact firsthand. At Catholic Charities, which typically runs a food pantry Monday through Thursday, staff say they’ve seen a noticeable jump in visitors since the storm knocked out power across parts of the city. “Folks that are blessed that live in Memphis can easily go to Kroger and refill their fridge,” said Mike Goughnour, the organization’s Senior Director of Development and Marketing. “Folks that are right on that cusp of crisis, they’ll end up here, and the need becomes a little bit greater at times like this.”
Starting Monday, residents who went more than 24 hours without power can call the Memphis Cares line at 844 444 4211 for help, and should be ready to share their home address.
