This year has seen cuts to USDA funding, rising food costs, and a prolonged government shutdown that delayed SNAP benefits. These challenges have led to more demand at food pantries, and higher costs to operate these vital ministries. Just before Thanksgiving, UM News visited the Rhea House, which offers a free grocery store at Dyersburg First United Methodist Church in Tennessee.
The Rhea House is a partnership between Dyersburg First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Reelfoot Rural Ministries, which operates three feeding programs in rural Tennessee and Kentucky. Due to higher costs for turkeys in 2025, Reelfoot switched to offering lower-priced hams instead of traditional turkeys for the first time. Reelfoot Executive Director Robert Craig says if current conditions persist, the feeding programs may have to reduce services in 2026 from monthly distributions to every other month.
The Rhea House and Reelfoot food pantries rely on cash donations, as well as donations of canned goods and other grocery items. Learn more about how to make an online donation or host a food collection for Reelfoot Rural Ministries.
Marigza is a multimedia producer for UM News. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.
